Botafogo coach Davide Ancelotti stopped short of confirming that the Premier League – or, more specifically, West Ham United – will be the eventual destination for goalkeeper John Victor.
But the son of new Brazil boss Carlo did say his goodbyes to a man who appears destined to become West Ham United’s fourth senior signing of the summer transfer window.
El Hadji Malick Diouf and Kyle Walker-Peters have boosted Graham Potter’s full-back options, while West Ham added Callum Wilson to their ranks on Saturday.
Now, while Leicester City’s Mads Hermansen has reportedly agreed terms with the London Stadium outfit, the goalkeeper first through the door appears likely to be the 29-year-old, 6ft 5ins giant that is John Victor.
Especially as John Victor was left out of Botafogo’s squad for Wednesday’s Copa do Brasil clash with Red Bull Bragantino.
Coach Davide Ancelotti during Botafogo v Corinthians - Brasileirao 2025
Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images
Botafogo coach Davide Ancelotti says goodbye as West Ham United near John Victor deal
Fabrizio Romano reported on Tuesday that West Ham had struck a deal with Botafogo to the tune of £8.5 million.
John Victor had entered ‘final’ negotiations with the 2023 Europa Conference League champions while his replacement – former Bournemouth, Arsenal, Juventus and Barcelona glovesman Norberto Neto – has touched down in Brazil to put pen to paper himself.
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“John’s situation was already clear yesterday,” Ancelotti said pre-kick-off on Wednesday evening. “I spoke with him and thanked him for everything he did for the club.
“Leo [Linck] is our [new first-choice] goalkeeper, and I have complete confidence in him.”
While John Victor committed an untimely blunder in his final appearance for the Rio-based outfit, the West Ham-bound goalkeeper has been a ‘phenomenal’ servant during a highly-successful 18-month spell with Botafogo.
John Victor won the league and Copa Libertadores double in 2024. He excelled during this summer’s Club World Cup campaign as well, drawing the attention of Premier League giants Manchester United.
But, with the Red Devils unable to bring in a shot-stopper until a buyer is found for Andre Onana or Altay Bayindir, West Ham seized the chance to get a deal agreed.
“Let’s talk about John,” Brazilian reporter Jorge Nicola said on his official YouTube channel. “The Botafogo goalkeeper is out of Wednesday’s match against Red Bull Bragantino. His departure has everything to do with the advanced talks with West Ham.
“An operation that will generate around 10 million euros, plus £500,000 more in bonuses.
“The plan is that, as soon as John is announced as sold, Botafogo confirms the signing of Neto. The player has already terminated his contract with Bournemouth, and has arrived in Brazil to undergo medical tests and sign a contract with Botafogo.
“John is awaiting the final agreement with West Ham, taking care of the final negotiations.”
West Ham United linked goalkeeper John Victor during Atletico Mineiro v Botafogo: Final - Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2024
Photo by Pool Pelaez Burga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
West Ham pick John as well as Leicester City’s Mads Hermansen
West Ham appear to be in pole position for the aforementioned Mads Hermansen, too. Cash-strapped Leicester are expected to accept a fee in the region of £20 – £25 million, though what the addition of two new goalkeepers means for Alphonse Areola remains to be seen.
Areola made a series of high-profile mistakes last season and has also failed to convince during the pre-season tour.
Hammers News have been informed that Parma were tempted by an approach for Zion Suzuki, too. Valued at a minimum of £30 million, however, the USA-born Japan international is the most expensive of the goalkeepers on Kyle Macaulay’s final shortlist.
In addition, West Ham reportedly bid for Michael Zetterer of Werder Bremen earlier this week.
According to German publication Kicker, though, an opening offer of £4.5 million is unlikely to be followed up. The 30-year-old Bundesliga guardian appears to have been identified as an alternative to the incoming John Victor.