The confirmation of Linus Kandolin as West Ham’s new first-team goalkeeper coach could be the catalyst for a quicker move in the transfer market, with Mads Hermansen emerging as the top target.

As reported earlier on HammerBytes, the goalkeeping department has been a clear priority for the club as Graham Potter plots his first season in charge. Kandolin’s appointment, along with the expected arrival of Casper Ankergren, may now clear a vital hurdle toward securing a new number one.

Kandolin Reunites with Potter

According to @ExWHUEmployee, West Ham’s pursuit of a new goalkeeper could pick up pace now that Kandolin is officially in place, with Hermansen viewed as the main target. Robert Sanchez and Aaron Ramsdale are also under consideration, but the Leicester man leads the list.

Kandolin, 34, arrives from Swedish side IF Elfsborg, where he spent the last six years overseeing their goalkeeper setup. He also worked with Sweden’s U21s during that time. However, it’s his earlier stint with Potter at Östersunds FK that stands out most. The two worked together from 2015 to 2018, a period that saw the Swedish club rise through the ranks under Potter’s guidance.

Kandolin is expected to begin work at Rush Green next week as pre-season begins.

Ankergren Still Set to Arrive

Casper Ankergren is also expected to take a place within Potter’s coaching staff. The former Brighton and Chelsea coach has a long-standing relationship with Potter and looks set to join Kandolin in reshaping West Ham’s goalkeeper setup.

This revamped backroom structure could smooth the way for a new number one to arrive, as West Ham continue to push forward with their plans in the transfer market.

Hermansen Remains the Priority

Leicester’s Mads Hermansen is firmly in West Ham’s sights. The Denmark international played a key role in the Foxes’ promotion campaign last season and fits the profile of keeper Potter typically looks for, with strong shot-stopping and distribution abilities.

Both Robert Sanchez and Aaron Ramsdale are also on the radar, but as things stand, Hermansen is seen as the priority.

Transfer Focus Sharpens

With Kandolin confirmed and Ankergren’s appointment expected shortly, West Ham can now turn their full attention to bringing in a new goalkeeper. The recruitment team is understood to be working behind the scenes, and with the coaching structure falling into place, movement on the transfer front could come sooner rather than later.