[West Ham United’](https://www.claretandhugh.info/sunderland-3-0-west-ham-player-ratings-as-hammers-get-humbled/)s 2025/26 Premier League campaign has kicked off in calamitous fashion, and nowhere is the chaos more evident than between the sticks. A ‘bold’ decision was made in the summer to release well respected goalkeeper coach Xavi Valero, who immediately found a new home at League Champions, Liverpool.
Potter brought in Linus Kandolin who had worked with him at Ostersund and Casper Ankergren from Brondby as Valero’s replacement. During pre-season both Alphonse Areola and Wes Foderingham failed to convince which led to West Ham’s pursuit of Mads Hermansen from Leicester City, who had been indentified by Ankergren.
However, with eight goals conceded in just two matches, the Hammers are potentially facing a full-blown goalkeeper crisis. Billed as a modern keeper with strong footwork and mooted as ideal for Graham Potter’s possession-based style, Hermansen was expected to be an upgrade over Alphonse Areola.
But the early returns have been brutal: Conceded 8 goals in 2 games: A 3-0 defeat to Sunderland followed by a 5-1 humiliation against Chelsea. Save-to-goal ratio just 4 saves compared to 8 goals conceded. Errors leading to goals, most notably when he flapped at a corner vs Chelsea, directly contributing to a goal.
Hermansen’s vulnerability to shots on his right side and his shaky command of the box have sparked fears that West Ham may have made a costly mistake. Former Hammers goalkeeping veteran Rob Green was swift to offer up reasons behind Hermansen’s rocky start:
_“He played one game in pre-season, Hermansen. He hasn’t played since April_ (due to injury) _He’s been thrown in and it’s been a lot to ask of him.”_ Green stated live on Sky sports.
Alphonse Areola, once seen as Lukasz Fabianski’s natural successor, has struggled to cement his place. Though he boasts a better clean sheet record than Hermansen (5 vs 1 in the previous season), Areola has been plagued by inconsistency and high-profile errors.
Dropped after a 4-1 loss to Spurs last season. He has an error-prone reputation despite flashes of brilliance. Potter appears unconvinced, having pushed for Hermansen’s signing despite Areola’s experience.
Areola remains a viable option, but his lack of reliability makes him a risky bet to stabilize the defence.
Wes Foderingham, the third-choice keeper, has largely flown under the radar. While experienced, he’s yet to feature prominently and is seen more as a backup than a genuine contender for the No.1 jersey.
Third choice keeper Wes Foderingham
**Lucas Fabianski return?**
With the current crop floundering, fans are increasingly calling for the return of Lukasz Fabianski, who left the club at the end of last season when his contract expired. Despite turning 40 this year, Fabianski remains a respected figure and was arguably more dependable than his successors. Known for his calm demeanour and leadership, fans believe he’s “miles better” than Hermansen and Areola.
A move for the ex-keeper would be highly unlikely, yet Fabianski has remained in Essex with his family settled in the area and turned down an approach by Legia Warszawa to try and find a London club. Currently still a free agent, he could be a short term option – and the stabilising move West Ham desperately needs.
Hermansen cannot be judged on just two games, yet working alongside an experienced former international keeper could only help improve his game.Graham Potter faces a tough decision. Stick with Hermansen and hope for improvement? Reinstall Areola and risk more inconsistency? Or make a bold move to bring back Fabianski and restore calm?
The goalkeeper position is no longer just a tactical choice—it’s a crisis demanding immediate resolution.