Tottenham chase Brazil keeper as potential No.1 despite £84m clause
At the Mineirão, 20‑year‑old Brazilian goalkeeper Otavio commands the defence for Cruzeiro, having seized his place after veteran Cássio’s injury. His contract now runs to 2031 and includes a £84m release clause, prompting Tottenham Hotspur to list him as a potential No.1 target.
Otavio rose through Cruzeiro’s academy before the injury to first‑choice keeper Cássio opened the door to first‑team action. Since then he has cemented his position as the club’s regular starter in both the Brazilian top flight and continental tournaments, becoming one of the most scouted young stoppers in South America. His shot‑stopping and composure have drawn praise from coaches.
Scouts from England and beyond
TEAMtalk reported that scouts from England and beyond have converged on the young stopper. Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur sent representatives to watch him, and Forest reportedly made a summer approach worth around €13 million (£11 million), which Cruzeiro rejected as insufficient.
Other European suitors are also on his radar. Napoli, FC Porto and Borussia Dortmund have been confirmed as tracking his progress, while the German side has inquired about his contractual situation. Earlier interest from Eintracht Frankfurt and Botafogo failed to materialise into offers.
Extended contract raises price tag
In August Cruzeiro secured Otavio’s long‑term future by extending his deal to 2031 and inserting a €100 million (£84 million) release clause for foreign clubs. Clubs would not need to meet the full clause; an initial payment of roughly €25–30 million (£21‑25 million) would trigger serious negotiations.
The new clause has strengthened Cruzeiro’s bargaining position after previous bids fell short. By tying the player to a high release figure, the Brazilian side can command a premium while still entertaining interest from top‑five European leagues.
Otavio’s form has continued to impress. He has kept a series of clean sheets, earned a senior call‑up to the Brazil national team and made his debut in a friendly against Australia. Observers note his distribution and composure as attributes that could translate well to European football.
For now, any movement remains limited to scouting and tracking. Cruzeiro say there is no pressure to sell, and Otavio remains focused on his duties at the Mineirão as the club pursues domestic and continental objectives. Nevertheless, a move to a top‑five European league is on his radar, with the next two transfer windows offering potential opportunities.