Botafogo have rejected West Ham United’s second bid for goalkeeper John Victor, but that doesn’t mean the deal is off. In fact, it’s closer than ever.
As we previously covered, the Premier League side returned with a €10m offer after their initial €8m bid was knocked back. Now according to O Globo, the new proposal was also turned down, but Botafogo immediately submitted a counteroffer.
So why the delay? Well, the club are already in advanced talks with Neto, currently at Bournemouth, to replace John. With the next No. 1 lined up, the rejection smells more like John Textor trying to squeeze out a little more money or buy a bit more time before sealing the deal.
On Globo Esporte’s podcast, insider Sergio Santana claimed the agreement is “very well advanced”, with John having already agreed personal terms. If West Ham send the signed proposal back in time, he might not even feature in Wednesday’s cup match against Red Bull Bragantino.
“At 1pm today, John was still set to play,” Santana said. “But if the paperwork comes through, he could be pulled.”
Santana also pointed to Textor’s philosophy: no player is untouchable, but the club expects full commitment until the very last day. John wants the Premier League move, and believes it’ll help with his national team chances. And with West Ham meeting Botafogo’s asking price, it now looks like a matter of final details.
The deal isn’t done yet, officially. But when the successor’s ready, the player’s eager and the money’s right, it’s hard to see this one slipping away.