The summer [transfer](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-transfer-news/) window has been described as underwhelming by many West Ham fans, yet the club have made five additions to bolster the squad, including Todibo (who has joined permanently), Diouf, Walker-Peters, Cummings, and Wilson.
West Ham are now currently pursuing a new goalkeeper to compete for the No.1 spot, and a number of names have been mentioned.
Martin covered this earlier, with suggestions that John Victor Maciel Furtado is currently the clear favourite.
Other names include Mads Hermansen, Zion Suzuki, and Viktor Johansson.
According to West Ham ITK’s, the plan is to sign one goalkeeper to compete with Areola—not replace him outright.
Hermansen or Suzuki are the standout choices, though they come with a higher price tag. The latter is a Japanese international with an impressive record. Last season, he ranked third for long passes and second for throws in Serie A. He also ranked second in the world for crosses caught, and number one in his league.
Given West Ham’s reluctance to meet Parma’s transfer demands, it is surprising the club haven’t also taken into account the long-term commercial benefits—such as an expanding fan base in Asia, increased merchandise sales, and potential boosts in broadcasting revenue.
It’s not a case of if Suzuki will leave Parma—it’s when, with other clubs also keeping close tabs on the player.
Based on recent footage of some of Victor’s performances, the links are somewhat worrying, with unsettling comparisons to former keeper Roberto!
The goalkeeper decision could be pivotal for West Ham—not just for defensive stability but for setting the tone of the rebuild.
With the Premier League opener against Sunderland looming, it will be interesting to see who claims the gloves and whether the summer overhaul delivers results.