Graham Potter is wasting no time rebuilding his West Ham United squad, and one of his top priorities this summer is finding a new goalkeeper.
With Lukasz Fabianski bidding farewell to the club after seven years, the Hammers now face the task of reinforcing their goalkeeping options.
According to Ben Jacobs, the East Londoners have set their sights on Leicester City’s Mads Hermansen.
Fabianski’s departure marks the end of an era at the London Stadium. Over the past couple of years, the Polish veteran mostly played second fiddle to Alphonse Areola.
But he still played an important role last season, particularly under former boss Julen Lopetegui.
The 40-year-old shot-stopper has now moved on, but West Ham do not trust Areola to be the long-term replacement for their club legend.
Areola undoubtedly comes with plenty of experience and quality, but Potter wants someone who is more reliable and can keep the Frenchman on his toes.
There were whispers earlier in the summer that West Ham were looking at Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale, but attention has now shifted towards another recently relegated club.
Hermansen could come in as West Ham’s no. 1
Hermansen is reportedly high on West Ham’s wishlist. The Danish keeper featured in 27 Premier League matches for the Foxes last season, conceding 58 goals in a difficult campaign that ended in relegation.
Despite suffering a couple of injury setbacks, Hermansen showed enough quality to attract interest.
He joined Leicester from Brondby in 2023 and signed a five-year contract, meaning the club still has a strong hand in negotiations.
Leicester value the 24-year-old at around £35 million and are under no pressure to sell. However, with finances tight after their drop to the Championship, a decent offer might convince them to cash in.
West Ham are reportedly preparing to make an official approach, and Leicester have fanned the flames by exploring talks with veteran goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.