The 30-year-old has found first-team football difficult to secure since moving to England. He made only five Premier League appearances last season and has not established himself as a regular option at Forest.
The goalkeeper had previously attracted interest from Cruzeiro, who held initial discussions with Forest before the 2025-26 campaign had ended. Those talks did not lead to a transfer, but his desire for more playing time has now increased the likelihood of a move during the winter window.
According to ESPN Brazil journalist Bruno Andrade, John Victor believes his situation at Forest is unlikely to improve. He has remained a substitute and has not been given the opportunities he wants, leaving him increasingly open to a departure.
Andrade reports that the message being communicated internally is straightforward: if regular minutes are not forthcoming, the goalkeeper would prefer Forest to negotiate a transfer in January.
International ambitions are also understood to be influencing his thinking. John Victor has been involved with Brazil’s senior squad, and regular club football could help him return to contention for future selections. Andrade says Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti rates the goalkeeper, but playing consistently is an important consideration.
A return to Brazil could offer a solution, with Flamengo among the clubs exploring the possibility of signing him. The Rio de Janeiro side are reportedly assessing their goalkeeping options amid concerns about Agustín Rossi’s performances.
Rossi’s inconsistent form could prompt Flamengo to consider a change, and John Victor is one of the names being examined as a potential replacement.
The goalkeeper is said to be open to returning to Brazil, a shift from reports earlier in the year that suggested he preferred to remain in European football. He would also not insist on returning to former club Botafogo, where he helped win the Copa Libertadores in 2024.
Cruzeiro remain another possible destination after their earlier attempt to bring him back, although any move would require agreement with Forest.
For now, no completed deal has been reported. John Victor’s immediate priority appears to be finding a club where he can play regularly, with January offering a potential route away from a frustrating spell in England.