John Victor David Sullivan
(Credit: Imago)
Alex Charlton
Mon 4 August 2025 8:14, UK
West Ham need a new quality goalkeeper as they approach the Premier League season.
Lukasz Fabianski left the London Stadium after his contract expired, leaving Graham Potter with Alphonse Areola, Wes Foderingham, and Krisztian Hegyi.
However, Areola was at fault for several West Ham goals last season, meaning he should not be trusted.
The Hammers have been credited with interest in Botafogo shot-stopper John Victor, but David Sullivan should think twice after the latest footage.
Alphonse Areola in action for West Ham
Areola is currently Potter’s number one (Credit: Imago)
Victor makes lazy Botafogo blunder
West Ham are said to be in advanced negotiations for Victor, who has also been linked with a move to Man United.
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The 29-year-old has already made 16 appearances for Botafogo this season, keeping nine clean sheets while conceding 10 goals.
John Victor’s statistics v Cruzeiro Total
Minutes played 90
Saves 2
Goals prevented -0.16
Punches 1
Saves from inside box 1
Accurate passes 27/31 (87%)
Victor let in more goals than he should (Sofascore)
Botafogo were on an eight-match unbeaten run before they lost 2-0 to Cruzeiro on Sunday evening.
Now, footage has emerged from the match that shows Victor lazily throwing the ball out to the opposition, leading to the first goal.
The result means that Victor’s side sit in seventh in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A table on 26 points.
Victor is a goalkeeper that tends to play on the dangerous side, which is not really what West Ham are after.
What Potter needs is a keeper who can simply keep the ball out of the net.
West Ham must swerve Victor after latest footage
The Irons are in the midst of a crucial transfer window, and Sullivan simply cannot afford to waste his money.
Last season was a tough one for West Ham supporters, as neither Julen Lopetegui nor Potter convinced in East London.
Furthermore, they had to watch Areola make multiple mistakes between the sticks that could have been avoided.
The footage of Victor makes for a tough watch and is reminiscent of something Areola would do at the London Stadium.
Potter needs a proven, commanding number one and somebody who is measured and can play with focus.
Areola made three errors leading to goals last season in the Premier League
West Ham are short of quality options to challenge the Frenchman
Victor is one of several goalkeeping targets, with negotiations underway
The Englishman does not have time on his side, and a mistake like that could accelerate his departure from the capital.
However, there could be a solution, as the Hammers have also been heavily linked with Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
The Dane may have been relegated last term, but he demonstrated his credentials behind a leaky Foxes defence.
West Ham do not need Hermansen and Victor, and on current evidence, there can only be one winner.
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