TBR Football understands that West Ham are pushing to sign Brazilian goalkeeper John Victor from Botafogo for a fee of less than £10 million.
West Ham are in the market for a new goalkeeper for the new Premier League season as Graham Potter looks to build on their 14th-place finish last season.
They are now set to make a push to sign Victor after the Brazilian club agreed a deal to sign Neto from West Ham’s Premier League rivals, Bournemouth. TBR Football can confirm that Bournemouth have allowed Neto to join Botafogo on a free transfer, allowing his new club to meet his wage demands.
This opens the door for the Hammers to swoop to sign Victor, with Potter keen to get the deal over the line as soon as possible for a bargain price.
Goalkeeper John Victor of Botafogo warms up prior to Recopa
Photo by Manuel Cortina/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Exclusive: West Ham to sign John Victor ‘in the coming days’
According to TBR Football’s Chief Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, West Ham have landed on Victor as their desired goalkeeper after considering several alternatives.
The Hammers considered a move for Mads Hermansen of Leicester City. However, Victor’s cut-price transfer fee of less than £10 million means that West Ham have more funds available to strengthen in midfield, which remains a priority.
Bailey said: “West Ham are working hard on bringing in new players, but they are limited on funds. That is a big reason they are looking at Victor – he is half the price and more than some of their other targets, such as Hermansen or Zion Suzuki.
“Victor is now West Ham’s prime target, and that should accelerate in the coming days – they want their new keeper in before the start of the season.”
Graham Potter looks on during Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v West Ham United FC - Premier League
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
What will John Victor bring to West Ham?
The 29-year-old Victor will be an experienced addition to the West Ham squad, having played at the top level in Europe and South America.
Victor started his career at Santos but struggled to force his way into the first team, playing just 19 games between 2016 and 2024. However, he enjoyed several successful loan spells away from Santos, including 11 games with Valladolid as they won promotion to La Liga.
John Victor Stats Played Conceded Clean Sheets
2024/25 35 10 9
2023/24 62 55 27
2022/23 62 55 27
He is an imposing physical presence at 1.96 metres tall, or six feet and five inches. Victor played a total of 35 games last season, conceding just 31 goals and keeping 14 clean sheets. This included six appearances in the Copa Libertadores.
At less than £10 million, West Ham appear to have secured a bargain in a smart piece of recruitment.