Nottingham Forest could be heading towards John Victor’s departure in January, with the goalkeeper now keen to leave the club.
The Brazilian has struggled for opportunities since arriving in England. He made just five Premier League appearances last season and hasn’t managed to establish himself as a regular option.
We previously covered interest from Cruzeiro, who even held initial talks with Forest over a possible transfer even before the 25/26 season was over. Those discussions went nowhere, but the situation has now changed from the player’s side.
John Victor wants to play regularly again, and a return to Brazil is becoming a realistic possibility. Flamengo are among the clubs looking at him.
John Victor wants out in January
According to ESPN Brazil journalist Bruno Andrade, the goalkeeper believes his situation at Nottingham Forest is unlikely to improve.
He’s currently a substitute and hasn’t been getting opportunities, even in cup competitions. That has left him questioning whether there’s any point in staying beyond January.
The message John Victor has been sending internally is pretty clear. If Forest aren’t going to give him minutes, he’d prefer the club to negotiate his departure during the winter window.
Andrade explains that January is now the most likely time for a move, with the goalkeeper open to leaving.
His ambitions with Brazil are a big part of that decision. Carlo Ancelotti rates John Victor highly, according to the journalist. However, the national team manager wants him playing regularly before considering another call-up.
That’s something the goalkeeper is particularly keen to achieve. He has already been involved with Brazil’s senior squad and wants to get back into the picture. Sitting on the bench at Nottingham Forest clearly isn’t helping.
Flamengo interest and possible return to Brazil
Flamengo could offer John Victor a route back to regular football. Despite leading the Brazilian league, the Rio de Janeiro club have concerns about Agustín Rossi’s performances.
The Argentine goalkeeper has been inconsistent, and there are suggestions Flamengo could look to move him on in January… And John Victor is among the names they’ve explored as a possible replacement.
One interesting detail from Andrade’s update is that the Nottingham Forest player would have no problem returning to Brazil.
That’s a change from the position reported earlier this year, when his preference was to continue in European football.
He also wouldn’t make a return to Botafogo – one of Flamengo’s rivals – a condition of moving back. The club where he won the Copa Libertadores in 2024 doesn’t necessarily have to be involved.
Cruzeiro previously tried to bring him back, with manager Artur Jorge pushing for a reunion. They opened discussions with Nottingham Forest, but nothing came of those talks.
There is still no indication of a formal Flamengo offer or an agreement between the clubs. However, with the goalkeeper now willing to return to Brazil, Forest may have a better chance of finding a solution.
