Botafogo pursues goalkeeper, left-back signings amid squad overhaul

Botafogo is moving forward with multiple signings as part of its second-half squad restructuring, with the club advancing in negotiations for a left-back, goalkeeper, and arranging departures for reserve players.

The Rio de Janeiro club is nearing the official signing of left-back Paulinho, 31, who is in Rio undergoing medical examinations before contract formalization. The defender arrives on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Danish club Midtjylland. Botafogo previously attempted to bring Paulinho to the club earlier in the year, but Midtjylland demanded 500,000 euros for his release.

In goalkeeper recruitment, Botafogo is in final stages of negotiations to repatriate Gabriel Batista, a goalkeeper developed by Flamengo. According to ESPN, the club will pay approximately 1.5 million euros to acquire 80 percent of the economic rights of the 28-year-old, who spent the last four seasons with Portuguese club Santa Clara. Under the agreement, Santa Clara retains 20 percent of the player's rights and will receive midfielder Bernardo Valim, 20, on loan with an option to purchase. Valim, a standout from Botafogo's youth academy, will be integrated into Santa Clara's under-23 squad. Batista, who served as captain and one of Santa Clara's primary players in recent seasons, is expected to undergo medical examinations once final operational details are completed.

On departures, Botafogo has arranged loan moves for two reserve players. Spanish striker Chris Ramos will join Real Oviedo on loan with a purchase option following one season. Ramos was recently acquired from Getafe after a contractual performance milestone was met. Since arriving at Botafogo, he has appeared in 21 matches, scoring five goals and providing one assist. His contract with Botafogo runs through 2028. The club expects to recover at least the investment made in the 2025 transfer, which could reach 3.5 million euros.

Midfielder Nathan Fernandes is also being loaned out as part of the squad adjustment.

However, Botafogo faces obstacles in registering new players. The club is subject to a FIFA transfer ban stemming from unpaid debt related to the signing of Jordan Barrera from Colombian club Junior Barranquilla. Additionally, the club faces sanctions for unpaid administrative fines. These FIFA restrictions must be resolved before the club can officially register Paulinho, Gabriel Batista, and other incoming players.