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Mario Jara, the representative of Paraguay national team shot-stopper Orlando Gill, has confirmed that conversations with Manchester United have occurred while stressing that the "time is now" for his client to capitalize on his World Cup stardom with a move.
Gill impressed between the sticks as Paraguay pulled off a stunning run to the last 16, knocking out historic powerhouse Germany along the way. The imposing goalkeeper was loosely linked with United and several other clubs in what appeared to be the kind of fanciful speculation that floods the market following major tournaments, but Jara confirmed there was genuine substance behind the rumors.
"We're in discussions with English clubs, as well as some in Germany. There were preliminary talks with Manchester United. We've only received two firm offers so far. We're currently in the middle of negotiations," Gill's former club manager turned agent told DSports Radio.
"A deal is close—now is the moment. We need to handle this with great care because there are many factors at play. It's the ideal opportunity for him to take the next step in his career. He's ready and capable of competing in any league, without question."
It's been a remarkable few weeks for Gill that he could barely have imagined as recently as last year.
The 2026 World Cup Hero and Villain
Gill experienced more dramatic twists this summer than a Game of Thrones character. Heading into the World Cup, the 26-year-old was celebrated as a fan favorite given the personal hardships he endured just to reach the global stage.
It was only in September 2025 that Gill earned his senior international debut, keeping a clean sheet as World Cup qualification was clinched against Peru. "We had nothing, and Orlando sold his jerseys from the club where he was playing at the time to cover the costs," Gill's wife Melissa Ávalos revealed after the match, reflecting on the health battles she and their son Lautaro Daniel faced following his premature birth three years prior.
"Our son fought for his life, and his dad was always by his side. He sold everything."
After managing just two top-flight appearances in Paraguay, Gill initially joined Argentine club San Lorenzo's reserve squad in a murky arrangement. The goalkeeper was brought in alongside Maximiliano Zelaya, whose father Mariano — a businessman, music producer, and apparent agent — orchestrated the questionable deal. It would take over a year and a string of injuries before Gill earned his professional debut, but he never surrendered that spot once he had it.
Yet all that goodwill threatened to evaporate after he conceded four goals in an embarrassing defeat against the U.S. on opening night.
"Everything he went through at the World Cup wasn't easy, especially the 4–1 defeat to the United States," Gill's agent Jara recalled. "A lot of prominent voices spoke out."
However, the representative added: "He has a remarkable ability to handle those kinds of situations."
Gill went on to keep clean sheets against Türkiye and Australia to set up a round of 32 clash with Germany. The European giants dominated possession and canceled out Julio Enciso's opener but could not find a winner, largely thanks to Gill. The 6'5" shot-stopper made six saves before denying Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade in a memorable penalty shootout victory.
Kylian Mbappé, however, could not be stopped from the spot by Gill, whose attempts to unsettle France's captain in the round of 16 did not sit well with the Real Madrid star. Mbappé pointedly refused to shake his hand at the final whistle.
Will Man Utd Seal a Deal for Gill?
Despite explicitly mentioning Manchester United, it remains highly unlikely that Jara will get his client through the doors at Old Trafford.
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Michael Carrick has several positions to address in his squad, but goalkeeper is not among them. Senne Lammens is the clear No. 1, Karl Darlow has arrived from Leeds United as a capable backup, and Tom Heaton was handed a contract extension to serve as a reliable third choice.
"We're trying to wrap this up as quickly as possible for everyone involved," Jara noted. "It would be hugely significant for San Lorenzo; hopefully it will reach a positive conclusion." However, that conclusion almost certainly won't involve Manchester United.