On the day in which West Ham United were thrown into the mix for Manchester United’s Andre Onana, Alphonse Areola did his hopes of a permanent recall to Graham Potter’s starting XI no good at all.
A few hours before Areola failed to prevent Wolves from taking the lead at Molineux, and then spark Jorgen Strand Larsen’s late heroics as his parry fell straight into the Norwegian’s path, Hammers News were informed that West Ham United could emerge as a surprise destination for a £47 million goalkeeper whose future has suddenly been cast into doubt.
Andre Onana is ‘unhappy’ at Manchester United. Left out by Ruben Amorim for the defeat by Arsenal and Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.
Onana’s representatives are now looking for solutions. And with West Ham understood to be ‘considering alternatives’ between the sticks already following Mads Hermansen’s nightmare start to life in East London, the former Inter Milan glovesman is far from the only goalkeeper to keep an eye on during the final few days of the window.
Chief football correspondent Graeme Bailey tells Hammers News that West Ham have reignited their interest in John Victor of Botafogo. Sheffield Wednesday starlet Pierce Charles was approached too, albeit earlier in the window and before a recent shoulder injury.
Now, via Italian publication Tuttomercatoweb, another Championship-based glovesman has entered the fray; Hull City’s Ivor Pandur.
Andre Onana during Manchester United FC v Southampton FC - Premier League
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images
West Ham United reportedly like Hull City goalkeeper Ivor Pandur
A 25-year-old who represented Croatia at Under-21 level, Pandur has blossomed into one of the Football League’s finest shot-stoppers since joining Hull from Eredivisie outfit Fortuna Sittard in 2023.
Tuttomercatoweb now claim that West Ham have enquired about Pandur, who made seven Serie A appearances for Hellas Verona, regarding a potential step up the proverbial ladder.
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Pandur was recently linked with Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen too. Sky Germany believe that Hull may be willing to sell for a fee in the region of £5 million.
“Ivor is a player with really good pedigree,” former Hull coach Liam Rosenior, now of Ligue 1 high-flyers Strasbourg, told BBC Sport during their time together at Humberside.
“He’s got a lot of potential and many qualities. He’s an outstanding shot-stopper with agility and plays with personality.”
Ivor Pandur celebrates after Sheffield Wednesday FC v Hull City AFC - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
West Ham make new approach for Botafogo ace John Victor
Speaking of Werder Bremen, West Ham reportedly made a bid for Michael Zetterer before he left the Weser Stadium for Eintracht Frankfurt.
Charles and Pandur are just two of the second-tier goalkeepers with admirers in East London, meanwhile. Viktor Johansson has made a ‘stunning’ start to the new season with Stoke City, as former Hammers starlets Divin Mubama and Sorba Thomas fire Mark Robins’ Potters into top spot.
Speaking to Hammers News on Tuesday, Bailey claims that West Ham have now lodged a loan bid for John Victor after talks with the Brazilian giant broke down earlier this month. Botafogo’s number one would become a permanent member of the squad if he plays more than 25 matches for the Hammers.
“Sadly, [the club’s recruitment has not been great. That’s the biggest worry,” a West Ham spokesman also tells Hammers News.
“[Hermansen] has struggled and his performances are not good enough at the moment.”
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
What is less certain, however, is where John Victor, Viktor Johansson, Pierce Charles or Ivor Pandur would fit in. Presuming there are no buyers for Wes Foderingham or especially Alphonse Areola – Ligue 1 newcomers Paris FC have signed Kevin Trapp instead – another goalkeeper signing would leave Potter with four first-team options for one position.