Botafogo Targets Matheus Magalhães from Red Star Belgrade to Strengthen Goalkeeper Position

Botafogo is reportedly in the market for a new goalkeeper, with their primary target being Matheus Magalhães, who currently plays for Red Star Belgrade in Serbia. The Rio de Janeiro-based club aims to secure the 33-year-old Brazilian on a permanent transfer to bolster their squad.

Matheus Magalhães is an experienced goalkeeper whose career has spanned several clubs and countries. He began his development at América Mineiro before moving to SC Braga in Portugal in 2014. Over more than a decade at Braga, he made 372 appearances and contributed to the club’s success by winning the Taça de Portugal and the Taça da Liga twice each. In January 2025, after expressing a desire to leave Braga, he was loaned to Ajax, then managed by Francesco Farioli, before transferring permanently to Red Star Belgrade in the summer of 2025.

Botafogo’s interest in Matheus comes amid concerns over the performances of their current goalkeepers, Neto and Léo Linck, who have faced criticism recently. Strengthening this position is seen as a priority for the club as they look to improve their defensive stability. According to reports initially from ESPN and confirmed by Globo Esporte, there is optimism within Botafogo’s management that the transfer can be completed despite Matheus being under contract with Red Star Belgrade until June 2027.

Matheus has also attracted attention from other Brazilian clubs in the past. Notably, in 2025, he was close to signing with Grêmio, having reportedly agreed on salary and contract terms. This suggests a continued interest in bringing the goalkeeper back to Brazil, where his experience in European competitions such as the Europa League could be valuable. This season, Matheus has made 37 appearances for Red Star Belgrade and has faced his former club SC Braga, as well as FC Porto, in the Europa League, although Red Star lost those matches.

If the transfer materializes, Matheus Magalhães would bring a wealth of experience to Botafogo, potentially addressing the club’s goalkeeping challenges. The move would also mark a return to Brazilian football for the goalkeeper after several years in Europe and Serbia. Botafogo will likely continue to negotiate the terms of the transfer in the coming weeks, with the club’s next matches and the ongoing season adding urgency to their efforts to reinforce the squad.