West Ham are closing in on the appointment of Casper Ankergren as their new goalkeeping coach, with talks at an advanced stage.

The move would reunite the Dane with manager Graham Potter, who worked closely with him during their time at Brighton.

Potter Pushes for Familiar Face

Ankergren has been Potter’s preferred choice from the start. The pair built a strong working relationship at Brighton between 2017 and 2021, where Ankergren served as the club’s goalkeeping coach. Since then, he has taken on the same role at Brøndby, the Danish side he also represented as a player.

According to reports, negotiations are ongoing between West Ham, Ankergren, and Brøndby, but all parties are confident a deal will be completed before the season kicks off.

Vacancy After Valero Departure

The Hammers have been on the lookout for a replacement following Xavi Valero’s departure at the end of last season. Valero spent seven years in East London, staying through several managerial changes and earning widespread respect at the club.

Reflecting on his time at West Ham, Valero said:

“It is with great sadness that I leave West Ham United, but also with great pride and appreciation for the experience of the last seven years.

Some memories will stay with me always – the magical night at London Stadium against Sevilla and that unforgettable evening in Prague. Moments like that ensure a connection to the Club forever.

I’m truly grateful for the time I have been given to share with the West Ham family, which is now my own. I leave east London proud of what I have contributed and wishing the Club the very best in the future.”

Brøndby Link Extends Beyond Ankergren

The connection to Brøndby does not end with Ankergren. As reported by Claret & Hugh, West Ham are also tracking Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. The 24-year-old Dane previously worked under Ankergren at Brøndby and has made 70 appearances for the Foxes since joining in 2023.

The move would address two needs in one: a goalkeeping coach and a potential long-term option between the sticks.

Ramsdale Talk Cooled

While Aaron Ramsdale has been linked with a switch to East London, the reality appears different. Claret & Hugh suggest a deal is unlikely, with the Arsenal goalkeeper valued at around £20 million. That price, combined with the Irons’ broader transfer priorities, makes a move improbable for now.

Ankergren’s appointment, if confirmed, would be the first major backroom change under Potter’s leadership. It signals both trust in familiar methods and a desire to reshape the team behind the scenes.