West Ham United have reached a verbal agreement to sign Brazilian goalkeeper John Victor from Botafogo, in a move that signals a major shift in the club’s goalkeeping hierarchy. Renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported that the deal includes full agreement on personal terms, and the transfer is expected to be finalized shortly.

John Victor, 29, is set to become the club’s new first-choice goalkeeper under manager Graham Potter, who is beginning to shape the squad in his vision. This development places the future of current number one Alphonse Areola in serious doubt. The Frenchman, who made the majority of starts last season, is unlikely to remain at the club in a backup role and could be on his way out.

The move for Victor follows West Ham’s cooled interest in Leicester City’s Mads Hermansen, whose valuation proved too steep. Instead, the Hammers have opted for a more affordable but highly rated alternative in Victor, reportedly valued around £8.6 million. The transfer aligns with Potter’s strategy of rejuvenating the squad while keeping spending within sustainable limits.

With veteran keeper Łukasz Fabiański departing at the end of the season, the arrival of John Victor provides West Ham with a fresh, long-term solution between the posts. Areola’s expected departure will likely trigger further activity in the market, as West Ham aim to balance their squad ahead of a demanding Premier League campaign.

This transfer marks a significant step in the club’s summer rebuild and could set the tone for further strategic acquisitions in the coming weeks.