If Manchester United needed fresh incentive to revisit their interest in Botafogo’s John Victor, they have just got it.
Victor had looked set for a move to West Ham United, with the Red Devils left with no choice but to strike his name off their goalkeeper shortlist.
The Hammers appeared to win the race for the Club World Cup standout, with The Peoples Person relaying a report that only a last-minute hijack could disrupt the deal.
United did not intervene, yet the transfer has fallen apart.
Transfer collapse
Victor will not be heading to the London Stadium after West Ham pulled out at the eleventh hour.
The club changed their mind and walked away despite a verbal agreement over the move, leaving the Brazilian stranded.
A source close to the deal told Football Insider:
“The way West Ham have conducted themselves is nothing short of disgraceful. The player was left waiting to travel and finalise the move.
“They pulled out with everything agreed, leaving Victor in limbo. That’s not how top-level clubs should operate.”
Reports suggest the collapse came after West Ham made progress in their pursuit of Leicester’s Mads Hermansen, who is due for a medical today.
🚨⚒️ Mads Hermansen will join West Ham as new goalkeeper for €19m fee.
Agreement in place with Leicester City and also on player side, medical tomorrow.
Hermansen, on his way to London as deal is done as @ExWHUEmployee called.
John Victor deal, collapsed at final stages. pic.twitter.com/LNBZUdscpO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 7, 2025
United’s opening
Victor has every reason to feel frustrated. Last season, he helped Botafogo clinch a league double before guiding them to Copa Libertadores glory, and this summer, he impressed on the global stage.
But there is hope.
As United continue to hunt for competition for Onana, Victor still has a shot at landing that Premier League move.
Sources claim United have monitored his situation closely.
With INEOS pulling off deals like the Benjamin Sesko one, which many thought impossible, a bargain £10 million goalkeeper move should not come as a surprise.
Featured image Buda Mendes via Getty Images
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
