Graham Potter
(Credit: Imago)
Niall Togher
Mon 4 August 2025 14:10, UK
West Ham are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper in the transfer window.
With Callum Wilson being brought in on a free transfer in an attempt to fix the Hammers’ woes up top, Graham Potter can now turn his attention to bringing in a shot stopper.
Following Lukasz Fabianski’s departure in the summer, bringing in a new player between the sticks seems like a logical move for West Ham, especially with Alphonse Areola failing to convince.
John Victor from Botafogo has emerged as a target for the East London outfit in between the sticks, but another candidate has also been considered.
Graham Potter
Potter has to sign a new goalie this summer (Credit: Imago)
Viktor Johansson allowed to leave Stoke City
Victor recently caught the eye of onlookers with his performances in the Club World Cup, but whether he could adapt to English football remains to be seen.
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Stoke City’s Johansson has proved to be able to thrive in England, albeit at a Championship level, establishing himself as one of the best ‘keepers in the division.
Johansson’s exceptional form at Rotherham earned him a move to Stoke City despite being relegated
Johansson impressed last season as Stoke finished 18th and is now set for another move
According to Fabrizio Romano on X (4 August), Johansson is now allowed to leave Stoke in the coming days and weeks.
Multiple clubs in the Premier League are interested in signing the 26-year-old Swedish shot-stopper.
The Hammers are said to be one of the clubs to have considered a move, but that is thought to have changed as their talks with Victor are now at an “advanced” stage.
🚨⚠️ Viktor Johansson can leave Stoke City in the next days/weeks. Movements around the goalkeeper with PL clubs keen on signing him.
West Ham considered move but now in advanced talks for Botafogo’s John, as exclusively revealed. pic.twitter.com/1Iu1dIxvfN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 4, 2025
View Tweet
West Ham should have signed Johansson instead
As well as being three years younger than Victor, 29, Johansson also has experience playing in England.
However, the data also suggests that securing the Swede’s signature would have been a shrewder piece of business.
Stats Viktor Johansson (Championship 2024/25) John Victor (Brasileirao Betano 2025)
Goals conceded 1.3 0.6
Saves 3.3 (71%) 2.9 (82.5%)
Accurate long balls 5.3 (31.2%) 4.9 (42.2%)
Accurate passes 20.5 (63.6%) 25 (78.1%)
Goals prevented 10.9 4.5
Johansson vs Victor statistics (Sofascore)
The decision for who will be Potter’s first choice next season is potentially one that will determine how long he is the manager in E20.
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