Manchester United have been linked with John Victor, but West Ham United have now made their move
When the 2024/25 season ended, our heads hung low. Manchester United finished 15th in the Premier League—one of the most embarrassing finishes in history. It was hoped that at least the Europa League would bring some relief, but there too we lost to Tottenham in the final. As a result of this, we will be out of European competitions next season. This is something that even a few years ago seemed like a crime to think about.
Ruben Amorim took charge of the team in the middle of the previous season. There were some changes, but there was no major difference in the results. Andre Onana’s performance was poor throughout the season, with wrong passes, positioning mistakes, and at times, he even started doubting himself. At the same time, the club signed Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this summer. The arrival of a youngster like Diogo Leon is also good for the future. However, we still need a solid goalkeeper, both as a number one and as a backup.
West Ham United want John Victor
Now, United have added a new name to their list. Botafogo’s 29-year-old John Victor was impressive at the Club World Cup and has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, as we had reported earlier in our blog. According to Football Insider, Premier League side West Ham United have made a £10 million bid for Victor. Aston Villa, Wolves and Burnley have also shown interest in him.
West Ham are the Premier League club to have submitted a £10million bid for Botafogo’s John Victor
West Ham are the Premier League club to have submitted a £10million bid for Botafogo’s John Victor
Victor stands 6-foot-5 and has great aerial presence and reflexes. He could be brought in as a backup or a challenger to Andre Onana. His £6 million release clause also makes him a cheap option, but West Ham’s high bid means United need to make a decision soon.
However, is he needed for United?
However, we are wondering—is Victor the right player? Where does this logic fit if a backup comes in at 29 and we want to make another 32-year-old like Emiliano Martinez our number one? Victor has some quality, but being number one at a club like Manchester United demands a different level.
If we need a goalkeeper for the long term, then Senne Lammens should be considered. He is young, has a good height, and his positioning seems better than the Brazilian’s. Victor has talent, but he can only be a cheap solution, not a permanent solution. If we want to become a big club again, then the thinking should also be big. In that case, it is okay to let the Hammers proceed with their interest.