West Ham manager Graham Potter clapping
Credit: Imago
Evan Lloyd
Wed 27 August 2025 16:25, UK
West Ham are determined to continue bolstering Graham Potter’s squad right up to the transfer deadline on Monday.
Midfield is the main area of interest, with West Ham finding an agreement to sign Soungoutou Magassa from Monaco in a deal worth £17million.
But the Hammers are looking to add depth in several positions, after enduring an appalling start to the 2025/26 season.
West Ham lost 3-2 to Wolves on Tuesday in the Carabao Cup, adding three goals conceded to the eight Potter’s side had already conceded in their opening two Premier League matches.
With that in mind, another goalkeeper could be close to joining.
Mads Hermansen playing for Leicester City, now at West Ham
Credit: Imago
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West Ham make shock return for John Victor
John Victor was at the airport when his move to West Ham collapsed at the start of August.
The Hammers had reportedly reached an agreement with Botafogo, but then opted to sign Leicester City stopper Mads Hermansen instead.
Victor later claimed that he never accepted a move to West Ham, despite reports stating that the Brazilian had shown a desire to move to the Premier League.
And now, in a bizarre twist, Jacob Steinberg has reported on 27 August that the Hammers have made an offer to sign the goalkeeper on loan.
The move may suggest an exit could be on the cards for Alphonse Areola, who has failed to make any impact under Potter.
Victor has impressed during his time at Botafogo, with South American football expert Tim Vickery telling Sky Sports News that the 29-year-old is “tall, athletic, lively and very impressive.”
What does West Ham loan offer for John Victor include?
Victor would be expected to provide competition for Hermansen, with the Dane struggling in his early appearances for West Ham so far.
Ben Jacobs reported on 27 August that the loan offer includes a conditional obligation to buy that would be triggered if the goalkeeper makes 25 Premier League appearances.
West Ham’s loan offer for John Victor includes a conditional obligation to buy triggered by 25 Premier League appearances.
West Ham trying to add John Victor even after signing Mads Hermansen, as revealed yesterday.🧤 https://t.co/q8z3GsGvFr
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 27, 2025
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Such an offer would suggest that decision-makers at the London Stadium believe that the Brazilian could well take Hermansen’s spot in the first team.
It can be assumed that Victor himself will be wary of going back on his own word by accepting a move to West Ham; however, with a potentially disgruntled atmosphere set to await him at Botafogo if the obligation does not materialise.
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