By Matheus Trunk
Brazilian goalkeeper Andrew Venturaholder of the Gil Vicentea Portuguese first division team, is close to defending the Botafogoby John Textor. The number 1 signed a pre-contract with the Rio team and will be a black and white player from the second half of this year. But the Brazilian club hopes that the board of its European rival will release the athlete this month.
The Argentine coach Martin Anselmi He discovered Andrew Ventura’s work when he managed Porto. At 24 years old, the player was trained in Botafogo’s own youth divisions, but didn’t get a chance in the main squad. Fogão’s two main goalkeepers on that occasion were Diego Cavalieri and Gatito Fernández.
In June 2021, the young man signed with Gil Vicente, an intermediate team in Portuguese football. The goalkeeper quickly adapted to the city of Barcelos, in the interior of Portugal. In the same season he assumed ownership of the club, playing in competitions such as the Primeira Liga, Copa de Portugal and Conference League. In total, the number 1 played 124 games in five seasons for Gil Vicente.
Flamengo’s interest
Andrew Ventura had already received inquiries from other first division teams, such as Red Bull Bragantino and Bahia. But the Brazilian team that came closest to the goalkeeper was one of Botafogo’s main rivals: Flamengo. The red-black directors want to sign a goalkeeper for Rossi’s reserve. Flamengo will have a full calendar in 2026. The Rio club will compete in six competitions: Carioca, Supercopa Rei, Libertadores, Copa do Brasil, Recopa Sul-Americana and Brasileirão.
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But the club’s first option Gávea for the position was Gabriel Brazãofrom Santos. But he wasn’t excited about moving to Rio so he wouldn’t be a starter. Flamengo started looking for a young goalkeeper, but with proven international experience. Coach Filipe Luís and football director José Boto They went to watch the game between Gil Vicente and Sporting, which ended in a 1-1 draw last Friday, the 2nd, in Barcelos. The clash was valid for the 17th round of the Portuguese Championship. The two were able to closely evaluate the performance of Andrew Ventura.
Gil Vicente, from Portugal
Gil Vicente is considered the great sensation of the Portuguese Championship of the season. The team is in a surprising fourth place, with 28 points. There are seven victories, seven draws and three defeats. So the Brazilian goalkeeper is considered one of the team’s highlights, having been voted the best archer in the competition in several rounds.
