West Ham United manager Graham Potter and Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen
(Credit: Imago)
Kyrenia Shipillis
Sat 9 August 2025 8:10, UK
Mads Hermansen could make his West Ham debut sooner rather than later.
Barring any dramatic U-turns, Hermansen will be a West Ham player this summer. It has widely been reported that the Hammers have agreed a fee with Leicester City for his signing.
As such, all that’s left for West Ham fans is to sit back, relax and imagine what his debut could look like. A debut which may be closer than supporters think, as the goalkeeper closes in on the London Stadium.
Mads Hermansen playing for Leicester City
West Ham are set to welcome Hermansen to the London Stadium (Credit: Imago)
Hermansen could debut against Sunderland next week
West Ham take on French side Lille at the London Stadium on Saturday (9 August), in what will be their final pre-season friendly before the Premier League returns.
The Hammers have had an encouraging pre-season thus far, with only Manchester United getting the better of them. As a result, fans will be somewhat confident going into the competitive season.
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While Hermansen is yet to be announced and will be unavailable to face Lille, he could be handed his debut against Sunderland during West Ham’s opening game of the Premier League season at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, 16 August.
Season Appearances Clean Sheets Minutes
2024/25 28 1 2.475′
Hermansen’s stats last season
Undoubtedly, the Black Cats will want to start their return to the top-flight on the right foot. Meanwhile, Graham Potter will look to make a statement after a disappointing league campaign last season.
This would see Hermansen start over Alphonse Areola, and given the Hammers’ desperation to buy a keeper, it would not be surprising to see the Dane establish himself as their first-choice option.
Graham Potter sitting
Potter could hand Hermansen his debut against Sunderland (Credit: Imago)
Hermansen could become Potter’s number one
Potter is known for experimenting from time to time. He is someone open to taking risks if he is confident of reaping the rewards.
Starting Hermansen would no doubt be a risk. He lacks the experience of an Areola who has spent several years in the top-flight. Meanwhile, Hermansen was promoted with Leicester, who were relegated back to the Championship last season.
But he is a keeper whom Potter wants. There will always be a degree of scepticism that John Victor’s move collapsed because he chose to remain at Botafogo.
The Hammers were linked with Hermansen earlier in the window. It seems that Hermansen was Potter’s first pick, and he was determined to get his man.
Therefore, as a player who seems to be backed by the coach, Hermansen could become West Ham’s number one next season.
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