Credit: Imago

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Thu 7 August 2025 16:35, UK

John Victor’s proposed move to West Ham is now off after they pulled the plug on it, sources have told Football Insider.

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The Hammers are now pushing ahead with a deal for Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, who impressed in the Premier League last season despite his side’s relegation.

Victor was waiting at Rio airport to travel to London for his medical, with the deal agreed between both clubs, only for West Ham to pull out at the eleventh hour, leaving the player stranded at the airport.

A source close to the deal said: “The way West Ham have conducted themselves in all of this is nothing short of disgraceful.

The player has been left stranded at Rio airport, waiting to travel to finalise the move.

“West Ham pulled out, with the deal all agreed, leaving Victor in limbo.

It’s not how you should conduct business at the top level.”

West Ham have turned their attention to Mads Hermansen.

(Credit Imago)

The Hammers are clearly searching for a brand-new No.1, with Lukasz Fabianski no longer at the club to challenge Alphonse Areola in between the sticks.

Football Insider revealed that West Ham were confident of signing Victor after an improved bid to Botafogo, but Potter and his backroom staff appear to have changed their opinion at the last second.

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News of the 29-year-old potentially joining has not been met with a brilliant reaction from the supporters, but with Hermansen now in the Irons’ sights, Areola’s future is no longer certain.

Alphonse Areola’s starting XI spot is under threat.

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El Hadji Malick Diouf, Kyle Walker-Peters, and Daniel Cummings have now been joined by Callum Wilson at the London Stadium, but there is a lot more business left to do this summer.

Football Insider understands that West Ham are plotting a move for Mateus Fernandes, who was a shining star in a dark season for Southampton last term, notching nine goal contributions in 42 games.

West Ham want to sign Mateus Fernandes.
For more news relating to West Ham, visit our sister site WHU Latest Live.