Almost immediately after Fabrizio Romano revealed West Ham had made a bid for a Brazilian goalkeeper, John Victor, I found myself scrambling to learn more about the 29-year-old.
If I’m honest, I had little idea whether Victor was any good—but I suspect Zion Suzuki or Mads Hermansen are Graham Potter and Kyle Macaulay’s top choices.
Victor is, well… older and cheaper, which might explain a lot. Nobody can say for certain he’d be good enough to displace Alphonse Areola as the Hammers’ No.1.
Having spent the best part of three days watching the “best bits” videos of Hermansen and Suzuki, I’d say both would walk into the West Ham starting XI. The Danish keeper seems the safer pair of hands—metaphorically speaking—while Suzuki looks like he’s got world-class potential.
Crucially, both are young and would immediately improve the team’s ability to play out from the back, which appears to be central to Potter’s tactical plan.
West Ham have a genuine opportunity here to solve the goalkeeping issue for years to come—rather than patch it up with a cheaper, short-term option. It could be that the bid for Victor is a smokescreen to pressure Parma into an agreement for Suzuki, but this transfer window is beginning to feel increasingly frustrating.
There’s a growing concern that Potter may end up with players he doesn’t truly want. Callum Wilson is a prime example. Let’s just hope the club back their manager and secure one of his genuine top picks—rather than someone hired because he’s cheap and knows a bloke who knows a bloke.
If wilson doesn’t sign it should be incredibly embarrassing for those that gave the nonsense so much air, excluding those that have not shame of course.
29 is young for a keeper, his record of clean sheets is impressive. From what I have seen of him on YouTube looks decent, the caveat being haven’t seen him catch much or claim crosses which isn’t to say he doesn’t just that his highlights reels haven’t shown much of it.
Looks better than Areola though so maybe an opportunity to get 2 new keepers and get Areola off the payroll.
PLEASE DONT DO THIS HUGE MISTAKE
Keeper has a 6 million release clause apparently. Coukd actually be a smart buy if he’s any good and frees up funds for other players.
All this crap about top targets etc etc is a load of tosh coming out of West Ham, last knockings of the window and we are scrapping about in Poundland for 2 or3 players to appease the supporters. Never mind the quality just get someone in. Hope I’m wrong.
Sadly this if true supports the rumour that Sullivan believes Potter and Macaulays choices are too expensive. Ignore that data analytics and scoutong nonsense and use Sullivan’s “eye” for a player that is cheap and cheerful
IF this happens, it’s obviously Sullivan yet again forcing cheap, old options on the manager instead of allowing him to choose his own signings. Embarrassing
Can’t stand Sullivan he has bled this club dry. He needs to sell up so West Ham can actually improve. He always goes with the cheap crap option. So predictable signing a cheap keeper. Just waiting for all the midfield options to fall down so Sullivan will sign Brownhill. He would then have Brownhill, Wilson, KWP a cheap keeper. Sold Kudus undervalue to Spurs. It’s a joke. Can’t wait for potter to walk and get Dyche in. Sullivan [edited] needs to be forced out.
Have you got a masters in cynicism Gonzo?
Only a GCSE John
Spot on, again, Gonzo.
Is there a single post that doesn’t dig out Wilson.
He’s on 6k a week if he doesn’t play, that doesn’t cover the chairmans lunch bill.
1st division players are guaranteed more.
Give it a rest until we see how he performs when called upon.
Then you dig out a keeper that you them say you know absolutely nothing about….
They’re opinions Dave, and yes, there are plenty of posts today that don’t mention Wilson but you know that already. But I could always try and shoehorn him into the Paqueta and Irish strikers blogs if it helps validate your point that he’s mentioned in every single post.
In 5 seasons at Newcastle he didn’t play for 3 of them due to injury. Give it a rest, I for one will when we don’t sign him but otherwise sorry he has nothing to offer us. People say he scores goals, well he has only scored 9 in the last 2 seasons. There are better, you get options out there that we can get without breaking the bank, just need Sullivan to butt out.