Brazilian Keeper Poised to Join West Ham in £8.4m Move from Botafogo | OneFootball

John Victor to West Ham: Brazilian Keeper Set for London Move Amid Goalkeeping Concerns

West Ham Make Move for Copa Libertadores-Winning Goalkeeper

West Ham United are close to completing the signing of Brazilian goalkeeper John Victor from Botafogo. As reported by The Standard, “Standard Sport understands an £8.4million (€10million) package has been agreed, with personal terms already settled.” The 29-year-old, known simply as John, looks set to arrive at the London Stadium as part of a wider rebuild under Graham Potter.

John’s rise in South America has been swift. After joining Botafogo from Santos in January 2024, he quickly established himself as one of Brazil’s most consistent goalkeepers. He played every minute of the club’s Club World Cup campaign and was between the posts during a shock victory over Paris Saint-Germain in that competition.

Experience and Silverware Follow John to London

John’s CV since arriving at Botafogo is impressive. In just over a year, he has lifted the Copa Libertadores, the Taca Rio and the Brazilian Serie A. He made 84 appearances in the 2024 season, showing durability and form that has attracted attention across Europe. Everton and Galatasaray were among the other clubs linked with a move, but West Ham have acted decisively.

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Statistically, John compares favourably to West Ham’s current options. Last season, he recorded a save percentage of 78.6 percent, superior to both Alphonse Areola (65.3 percent) and the departed Lukasz Fabianski (69.2 percent). His arrival adds competition and is an immediate upgrade based on recent form.

Areola’s Inconsistency Prompts Search for Stability

While Alphonse Areola retains support in some quarters, the Frenchman has struggled to find consistency. His performances during the 2024–25 campaign drew criticism, and his pre-season has done little to alleviate concerns. Most notably, he conceded a penalty against Manchester United in New York after a dropped high ball, an error that once again raised doubts about his reliability.

Fabianski’s departure last summer after seven years with the club left a void in both leadership and shot-stopping. West Ham’s move for John appears to be a response not only to Areola’s form but also to the broader need for stability at the back.

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Summer Business Gains Momentum Under Potter

John will become West Ham’s fifth senior signing of the summer. Deals have already been completed for Kyle Walker-Peters, Callum Wilson, El Hadji Malick Diouf, and Jean-Clair Todibo. It points to a club actively reshaping its squad in line with Graham Potter’s philosophy.

The manager has remained deliberately vague in public when it comes to transfers. “We’re working behind the scenes and if there’s an opportunity to strengthen, we will,” he said this weekend. The signing of John is proof that those opportunities are being identified and pursued with intent.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For West Ham, this deal looks like smart, forward-thinking business. The club have often fallen short in addressing weaknesses until they’ve become crisis points. That does not appear to be the case here.

Supporters will be encouraged by John’s record at Botafogo. Anyone who can go toe-to-toe with PSG and come away with a clean sheet clearly has something about him. The success in Brazil also speaks volumes about his temperament and winning mentality.

Areola’s mixed performances have frustrated fans for over a year now. While he has had his moments, they have been scattered. The decision to bring in a strong, experienced competitor shows the club have taken feedback on board.

There’s also a sense that Graham Potter is shaping this team in his image. The additions made this summer are functional, reliable and seem tactically flexible, characteristics that have followed Potter’s teams in the past. John will not just warm the bench. He is here to challenge and possibly take the number one spot.

If John adapts quickly to the Premier League, West Ham could have one of the most underrated signings of the summer on their hands.