From the four possible choices as Fabianski’s replacement, it seems as though there’s a clear favourite emerging to be the next London Stadium-bound player this summer. Zion Suzuki, Mads Hermansen, John Victor and latecomer to the rumour factory Stoke’s Viktor Johansson (main pic) have all been suggested.
The sheer cost repercussions of the first two – Suzuki and Hermansen have asking prices over £30 million – would surely discount them in a window of meagre transfer funds – but the late addition of cheapest option Johansson to the list of candidates has a more appropriate West Ham-level of authenticity. The smart money -excusing the pun- seems to be on a modest £10 million or lower spend as the Irons seek to squeeze as many deals out of the Kudus money as possible.
In the know journo Fabrizio Romano – who is not normally wrong- appears to have nailed his own ‘keeper colours to the mast:
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“ West Ham are advancing to key stages of John [Victor] deal with Botafogo after official bid exclusively revealed last week. John wants the move and the clubs are discussing on fee/deal structure.”
At under £10 million, the Brazilian number one seems to be the most likely re-inforcement at West Ham this week, with the fact that Victor wants the move to East London being crucial. How often this summer have we been told that West Ham been ‘thwarted’ by players being against a move to east London owing to the lack of a European football showcase next season.