Credit: Imago

Chris Smith

Mon 4 August 2025 17:00, UK

West Ham United are set to reinforce their goalkeeper position with the signing of John Victor from Brazilian side Botafogo.

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Football Insider revealed on Monday (4 August) that West Ham had lodged an improved £10million bid for Victor which they are confident will be accepted.

The 29-year-old impressed during Botafogo’s run to the round of 16 at this summer’s Fifa Club World Cup and was a key part of their Serie A, Copa Libertadores and Taca Rio successes in 2024.

Victor only signed a contract extension earlier this year, but given his breakout performances, it’s unsurprising to see so much interest in his services.

West Ham, meanwhile, have been looking for an upgrade on Alphonse Areola, who made three errors leading to goals in the Premier League last season.

John Victor looks set to join West Ham (Credit: Imago)

The feeling in Brazil is that the Hammers could conclude a deal any day now, fending off rival interest from Aston Villa, Wolves and Burnley.

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The difference between Areola and Victor when it comes down to the data is stark.

Where the Frenchman made three errors leading to goals in the Premier League last season, Victor hasn’t made any in the Brazilian Serie A this campaign, nor did he in 2024 — with those two campaigns spanning 50 matches so far.

In contrast, Areola played 26 times in the Premier League last season.

Alphonse Areola’s 2024/25 Premier League stats (Credit: FotMob)

Victor has prevented 4.47 goals in league play so far this season, compared to a miserable -5.19 from Areola who, if anything, often proved a liability for Graham Potter.

The Frenchman has also made a high-profile error this summer in a friendly against Manchester United.

A save percentage of 82% from Victor in the 2025 Serie A is impressive, especially when put against Areola’s 67% from the 2024/25 Premier League — as is his 78.1% pass accuracy, compared to 66.7%.

John Victor’s 2024 Serie A stats (Credit: FotMob)

There is, of course, the caveat that Victor has run up these numbers in a lesser competition.

Josh Brownhill is a leading contender to come through the door as a free agent, following the expiry of his Burnley contract.

While there are more glamorous names, Brownhill has just come off his best season to date, notching 18 goals and six assists in 42 Championship appearances to help the Clarets earn promotion with 100 points.

The Manchester-born midfielder turns 30 in December, but represents great value on a free transfer as he hits his peak form.

“It will be a tough race to sign Josh Brownhill,” transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider.

“He’s a top midfielder, scored 18 goals last season to help Burnley win promotion to the Premier League.

“If West Ham come in for Josh Brownhill, Celtic aren’t going to be able to match the offer financially.

West Ham are better placed for a deal.

“These Premier League clubs have far more money than the biggest Scottish clubs.

“Celtic will be hoping the allure of Champions League football can give them the edge, but there will be fierce competition for that free transfer.

“He’s one of the better free transfers available at the moment, with his experience of the Premier League and he’s a goalscoring midfielder who most teams would love.

“West Ham are interested, and I think there’s interest from abroad and also MLS clubs having a look at Josh Brownhill as well.

“If Celtic are looking to build on the progress they made in the Champions League last season, he would be a very smart addition to Brendan Rodgers’ side.

“But there is a lot of competition for him as a free agent which could make it difficult for Celtic.”

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