West Ham United are reportedly unlikely to sign 29-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper John Victor from Botafogo this summer.
According to a report by Football Insider, John Victor was left stranded at the airport after West Ham United pulled the plug on the deal at the last minute. The Botafogo goalkeeper had reportedly been preparing to travel to England to complete the move.
However, West Ham chose instead to sign Mads Hermansen from Leicester City. This is a devastating blow for John, and it remains to be seen if he remains with Botafogo beyond the summer transfer window.
John Victor has been outstanding for the Brazilian club and impressed during the Club World Cup. There is no doubt he is good enough for the Premier League and could have been a quality addition for West Ham, but the club opted for a younger alternative. Hermansen was outstanding for Leicester City and is undoubtedly a quality player.
West Ham fans will be pleased with the outcome, despite criticism regarding how the transfer was handled. Ultimately, these two transfer decisions should benefit West Ham in the long run. It will be interesting to see if Hermansen can make an immediate impact and become a key player. Alphonse Areola endured a mediocre 2024/25 campaign, and West Ham needed a reliable goalkeeper.
Meanwhile, John Victor has been linked with other English clubs, including Manchester United, who need a reliable goalkeeper as an alternative to Andre Onana. Whether the Red Devils offer Victor a chance to play in the Premier League remains to be seen. The situation is disappointing for Victor, and it is yet to be seen how he will respond.
Can John Victor salvage a Premier League move?
At 29, the South American is at the peak of his career, and this may be his last opportunity to move to an elite league. He will certainly hope to get the chance to showcase his quality in the Premier League.
West Ham endured a disappointing 2024/25 season, finishing in the bottom half of the league table. They do not want to be fighting for survival in the upcoming campaign, and quality signings are needed. It remains to be seen if they can strengthen other areas of the squad before the transfer window closes. Significant additions will be required if West Ham is serious about pushing for a top-half finish.
