Nottingham Forest are heading into an important summer, and John Victor’s situation is quietly becoming one to watch.
The Brazilian goalkeeper hasn’t had many chances this season. Before his knee injury that is keeping him out of contention since early January, he’s played just five Premier League matches, with 438 minutes on the pitch.
In that time, as per FootyStats, John Victor has conceded 1.64 goals per 90 minutes and kept one clean sheet, which gives him a 20% clean sheet rate. It’s not a huge sample, but it does show how hard it’s been for him to build any rhythm.
It’s also worth remembering how he arrived. Nottingham Forest signed John Victor after a month-long saga involving John Textor and West Ham United, so there was real competition for him at the time.
That’s why this next window feels important. With limited minutes so far and a serious injury, it could shape whether he stays part of Forest’s plans or starts looking elsewhere.
According to ESPN Brazil, Cruzeiro have made an initial move to explore a deal for John Victor. It’s still very early, and talks are being described as “embryonic”.
Nottingham Forest hold the key
John Victor isn’t in a rush to go back to Brazil. The report says he wants to wait until he’s fit and see what Nottingham Forest plan to do before making any decision.
His preference is to stay in Europe. On top of that, he still has ambitions of pushing for a spot in Brazil’s squad, so staying in a competitive environment matters.
That puts the focus back on Forest. If they see him as part of their plans, this probably doesn’t go far. But given how little he’s played, it’s fair to wonder what role he’ll actually have next season.
Cruzeiro, meanwhile, have a clear reason to move. Their first-choice goalkeeper, Cássio, picked up a serious knee injury in March and isn’t expected back until 2027. His substitute Matheus Cunha has stepped in, but hasn’t really convinced.
There’s also a familiar face involved. Cruzeiro manager Artur Jorge wants John Victor again after working with him at Botafogo, where they won the Copa Libertadores in 2024.
What happens next
Right now, this isn’t a full negotiation. Cruzeiro is just testing the waters.
Still, situations like this can pick up quickly, especially when a player isn’t getting regular minutes. If Nottingham Forest don’t offer a clearer path, more interest could follow.
For now, John Victor is waiting. And Forest will have to decide pretty soon what they actually want to do with him.
