Viktor Johansson and John Victor
(Credit: Imago)
Henry Green
Mon 4 August 2025 19:10, UK
West Ham need a new quality goalkeeper to replace Alphonse Areola as they approach the Premier League season.
Graham Potter is believed to be keen to replace Areola as his number one for this upcoming season, with Lukasz Fabianski already leaving.
The Hammers have struggled this summer, but given the injection of cash from Mohammed Kudus’ £55million sale, that now looks to have changed.
The Irons looked set to push for the transfer of John Victor, but fresh updates might have changed their approach.
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan
David Sullivan has owned West Ham since 2010 (Credit: Imago)
West Ham could grow impatient with John Victor
West Ham’s long wait for a new number one continues this summer.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
Potter’s side had previously been linked with a move for Leicester City’s Mads Hermanssen, though they removed the Dane from their shortlist due to the Foxes’ high asking price.
West Ham were said to be in advanced negotiations for Victor, who has also been linked with a move to Man United.
According to Alan Nixon (4 August), Victor wants to quit Botafogo for West Ham.
However, the Brazilian side are asking him to play in a Cup tie on Wednesday (6 August), which could put the move in danger.
The two sides are reportedly haggling over a move for around the £10million mark, but West Ham’s reluctance to pay over the asking price is putting the move in doubt.
Botafogo have told Victor that he is due to face Bragantino on Wednesday, the second leg of a tie they are already leading 2-0.
The unnecessary match could lead to a potential injury for the 29-year-old, and West Ham could now move on to a new target.
Stoke City are prepared to let Viktor Johansson leave, and the Hammers could now move for the Swede should they lose patience with Botafogo.
The goalkeeper is on their list of potential targets, and Stoke’s willingness to make a profit on the £1million they paid for him just over a year ago will open the door for the Irons. It is expected that he would cost a possible £10million, but the deal would be much easier for Sullivan to facilitate.
🚨⚠️ 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
Johansson has shown that he can step up
After making the switch to Stoke from Rotherham, Johansson showed that he can step up his quality from a lower-level Championship side.
Despite the Potters’ poor form, Johansson was key to keeping Stoke in the second tier, and there is no doubt that he can continue to transition his skills from the Championship into the Premier League.
Sign up for the West Ham Zone WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking West Ham United news sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts