West Ham United have been looking for an upgrade in the goalkeeping position ahead of the new Premier League campaign and are now close to finding one.
Last season, Alphonse Areola struggled in between the sticks for The Hammers, making multiple individual errors, as the side endured a below-par campaign, finishing 14th.
The Frenchman was at fault for both of the goals West Ham conceded in a recent pre-season defeat to Manchester United.
Also, Lukas Fabianski departed the club this summer after seven seasons with the East London club, as his contract expired.
Veteran keeper, Wes Foderingham, is not seen as an option for a starting role and will remain a back-up for Graham Potter's side.
This uncertainty in goal is evidently a concern for Potter, so having a more reliable no. 1 should make a big difference in West Ham's projection for the forthcoming season.
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Who is set to become West Ham's new no. 1?
Potter's side have identified Brazilian keeper, John Victor, as their ideal target for the position.
After recent offers for the 29-year-old were reportedly turned down, West Ham have returned for further talks with the Brazilian side and a complete agreement is now very close between the two clubs.
🚨⚒️ EXCL: West Ham reach verbal agreement to sign John as new goalkeeper from Botafogo.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 5, 2025
€10m package almost agreed with final details being sorted, John agreed terms and the deal is almost sealed.
Documents being checked… and then, here we go. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/8r1LGWb0yc
As per Fabrizio Romano, a deal to take Victor to The Hammers is worth under £9m and personal terms have been agreed on the player's end.
Victor featured for Botafogo recently at the FIFA Club World Cup, where he impressed, as the Brazilian side progressed from a group that included Paris Saint Germain and Atletico Madrid.
Botafago made a run to the Round of 16 stage before being eliminated by fellow Brazilian team, Palmeiras.
Victor's strong displays at the tournament saw him be linked with a potential move to Manchester United. However, no transfer materialised as The Red Devils chose to keep faith with current first-choice keeper, Andre Onana.
Before settling on Victor, West Ham had also been looking at Leicester City's Mads Hermansen, but a deal for the player was not close to being agreed with the relegated Premier League club.