West Ham Launch Bid for Brazilian Goalkeeper John Victor Amid Man Utd & Onana Uncertainty

Man Utd Move Ruled Out? Premier League Rivals Enter the Race for Botafogo’s No.1

As the summer transfer window heats up, West Ham United have made their move for Brazilian goalkeeper John Victor, submitting a formal bid of €8 million to Botafogo, according to reports from trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano. This move comes amid swirling speculation surrounding Manchester United’s current No.1 Andre Onana, and a potential shake-up in the Red Devils’ goalkeeping ranks.

WHAT HAPPENED?

West Ham, in need of a new goalkeeper following the departure of long-serving Lukasz Fabianski, appear to have set their sights firmly on John Victor. The 29-year-old, who has impressed in Brazil with Botafogo, is also attracting interest from Galatasaray and Everton, while Manchester United have been monitoring his performances closely in recent months. However, with Onana seemingly staying put at Old Trafford for the upcoming season, a United move now appears unlikely.

Romano’s update suggests that West Ham have jumped ahead of the queue, placing an €8m offer on the table. While it remains to be seen whether Botafogo will accept, it signals serious intent from the Hammers to bolster their squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The goalkeeper situation at Manchester United has been under scrutiny since Onana’s arrival from Inter Milan. Despite moments of brilliance, the Cameroonian international’s debut season in the Premier League was marked by inconsistency. Rumours have persisted all summer about whether United might look for a new shot-stopper, with names like John Victor being tossed around as potential candidates.

But with Ruben Amorim now in charge and early indications that Onana remains part of his plans, United’s pursuit of a goalkeeper appears to have cooled — for now. That opens the door for clubs like West Ham to make their move.

At the London Stadium, the need is more urgent. Fabianski’s exit leaves a gap in experience and quality between the sticks, and while Alphonse Areola remains a solid option, David Moyes — or whoever takes over managerial duties — will want serious competition in goal.

DID YOU KNOW?

FBL-BRA-BOTAFOGO-SAO PAULO

John Victor, standing at an imposing 6ft 5in, has quietly built an impressive reputation in Brazilian football. Since signing with Botafogo, he’s racked up 84 appearances and an impressive 36 clean sheets — more than one every three matches. His reflexes, command of the box, and ability to play out from the back have earned him plaudits in South America.

Though yet to break into the senior Brazil squad, Victor was previously part of the Brazil U17 setup and has also had spells with Santos, another historic powerhouse in Brazilian football.

Crucially, his contract with Botafogo runs until the end of 2028, meaning the Brazilian club are in no rush to sell. That makes West Ham’s bid a testing one — will it be enough to convince the club to part ways with one of their standout performers?

WEST HAM’S GOALKEEPING STRATEGY

West Ham are clearly planning ahead. The departure of Fabianski, at 39 years old, was always inevitable, but the timing left the club with a pressing need. John Victor represents not just a replacement, but potentially a long-term solution.

At 29, he is entering what many consider to be a goalkeeper’s prime years. With Premier League experience being a hurdle for many South American signings, the question will be how quickly Victor can adapt to the physical and tactical demands of English football.

That said, Brazilian keepers have had increasing success in Europe in recent years — from Alisson at Liverpool to Ederson at Manchester City. West Ham will be hoping Victor can follow a similar trajectory.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR UNITED?

For Manchester United, the transfer window remains wide open. With priorities lying in midfield and potentially up front, the club are not expected to aggressively pursue a new goalkeeper unless Onana’s situation dramatically changes.

Onana, despite last season’s ups and downs, still has the support of the United hierarchy — for now. If his performances remain inconsistent, however, the club may revisit the goalkeeper market in January or next summer.

That leaves Victor in a position where other suitors, like Everton or Galatasaray, may still make their move. Everton, in particular, have been monitoring several goalkeeper options as they prepare for a potential reshuffle.

BOTAGOFO’S STANCE

Andre-Onana

Botafogo, one of Brazil’s most historic clubs, are unlikely to accept a low-ball offer unless they are under pressure to balance the books. With Victor under contract for another three years, they hold all the cards. However, the allure of a European move — and a potentially sizeable payday — may help facilitate negotiations.

Should West Ham increase their bid or offer favourable payment terms, a deal could yet be struck. Alternatively, if other clubs enter the race, the price could quickly rise above the initial €8m.

FINAL THOUGHTS: IS THIS A SMART MOVE?

For West Ham, it certainly looks like a smart play. Victor is an affordable, high-upside option in a position of need. With Premier League mid-table clubs increasingly looking to the South American market for value, this could be another success story waiting to happen.

As for Manchester United, while this may seem like a missed opportunity on the surface, it likely reflects a prioritisation of other areas in the squad. If Onana delivers a stronger second season, few will question the decision.

But if he falters, and Victor impresses in claret and blue, questions will certainly be asked at Old Trafford.

Stay tuned. The window is far from closed, and more twists are likely to come.