Botafogo remains active in the transfer market looking for specific reinforcements for the goalkeeper, defense and midfield, even after the recent arrivals of names like Cristian Medina and Edenilson. The black and white club evaluates options to correct instabilities identified at the start of the 2026 season, focusing on experienced players and young promises that fit into the SAF’s planning.
Negotiations are progressing on three main fronts, with priorities defined by the board and technician Martín Anselmi. Goalkeeper Matheus Magalhães appears as a priority target due to Neto’s recent failures, while the defense and midfield receive attention to increase the depth of the squad in competitions such as Libertadores and
Negotiations for goalkeeper Matheus Magalhães advance
Botafogo maintains direct contact with Estrela Vermelha, from Sérvia, to sign goalkeeper Matheus Magalhães. The 33-year-old player shows interest in the transfer and the parties have already discussed values for a possible sale.
Matheus Magalhães has an established career in Portugal, where he stood out as an idol of Braga for several seasons. Ele has international experience and good footwork, characteristics valued by the black and white technical committee. His arrival would depend on the final approval of Martín Anselmi, who assesses the impact on the current group of goalkeepers.
The negotiation gains importance because the club considers the position a priority to increase defensive security in decisive games.
Defender Lucas Fasson on the agenda to reinforce the defense
The Rio club made a pre-contract offer to defender Lucas Fasson, from Lokomotiv Moscou. The 24-year-old Brazilian, trained at São Paulo, has a contract until June and can arrive at no transfer cost if he does not renew with the Russian team.
Conversations continue, although the value of gloves and salary offered by Botafogo did not initially please the athlete’s staff. Outros European clubs also monitor the player, who has played 18 games this season with two assists.
Lucas Fasson preferably plays on the left of the defense and would bring options to the defensive sector, which seeks greater consistency after the team’s recent fluctuations.
Midfielder Zé Lucas remains on the radar despite recent arrivals
Botafogo maintains interest in the young Zé Lucas, 17 years old, Sport’s revelation. Negotiations are still ongoing, even with the signings of Cristian Medina and Edenilson for midfield.
The jewel from Pernambuco is seen as a long-term bet, with potential for development in the black and white squad. The club had already been observing the player for months and agreed terms with the staff before formalizing an official proposal to Sport.
The persistence in the search reflects the strategy of mixing immediate experience with emerging talents for the future.
Priorities and context of the black and white market
Botafogo faces a start to the season with results below expectations, which accelerates movements in the market. The board assesses that reinforcements in these specific positions can balance the team for upcoming commitments.
Upcoming games include clashes for the Libertadores and state championships, where the depth of the squad gains relevance. SAF remains willing to invest, depending on technical approval.
The club discards names like Bernardo Schappo, offered but not considered suitable for the desired profile.
Final details of the negotiations
The three negotiations take place simultaneously, with tight deadlines until the transfer window closes. Botafogo prioritizes solutions that combine cost-benefit and quick adaptation to the style of play proposed by Anselmi.
The arrival of any of these players would depend on financial arrangements and release from current clubs.
