West Ham’s search for a new goalkeeper has been one of the big talking points this summer.
With Łukasz Fabiański leaving, and Alphonse Areola continuing to divide opinion after another mistake-prone campaign, it was clear the position had to be upgraded — and fast.
Earlier this week, that looked like it was being solved with the arrival of John Victor, the highly rated Botafogo and Club World Cup star. A deal worth around £8.7 million was agreed, and the Brazilian is, or at least was, expected to arrive shortly.
But now, in a twist few saw coming, West Ham are closing in on another goalkeeper, and one already proven in the English game.
West Ham Agree Hermansen Deal
Leicester City’s Mads Hermansen. (Reuters/Craig Brough)
According to BBC Sport, West Ham have agreed a deal worth around £20 million to sign Mads Hermansen from Leicester City.
Talks have been progressing over the last few days, and the Denmark international is now on the verge of a move to east London. He’s expected to undergo a medical soon, with personal terms already in place.
It’s a bold move — and one that suggests Graham Potter is serious about building from the back.
Hermansen made 72 appearances for Leicester after joining from Brøndby in 2023, helping them win the Championship title and earning praise for his modern, proactive style of keeping. He’s previously been called “incredible” by Ryan Taylor of The Mirror, and is well-suited to Potter’s demand for a keeper comfortable with the ball at his feet.
The deal is also a major statement, with West Ham reportedly beating out interest from other Premier League sides and clubs in Germany and Italy.
Whether Victor arrives alongside Hermansen or becomes surplus remains to be seen — but either way, West Ham’s long-standing goalkeeping headache looks like it’s finally being fixed.
And not just fixed. Upgraded.