West Ham have confirmed the appointment of Linus Kandolin as their new first-team goalkeeper coach.
The 34-year-old arrives from Swedish side Elfsborg and reunites with Graham Potter, having previously worked under him at Östersunds FK.
Kandolin replaces Xavi Valero, who departed the club in May after a long spell with the Irons.
A coach held in high regard
Kandolin spent six years at Elfsborg and also coached with Sweden’s U21 national team during that time. His work earned him widespread praise, particularly from Elfsborg director Stefan Andreasson, who said Kandolin “took the goalkeeping coach role to another level” while contributing across multiple coaching setups.
He played a key role in Elfsborg’s 2023 campaign, helping them finish second in the Allsvenskan, their best league result in more than a decade. He also developed Iceland international Hákon Rafn Valdimarsson, who earned a £2.5 million transfer to Brentford.
Elfsborg’s head coach, Oscar Hiljemark, called him a “hard-working colleague” and thanked him for the “wonderful memories.” Kandolin was bought out of his contract and took charge of his final game against Häcken before departing for east London.
For Kandolin, the move is significant. He described the chance to coach in the Premier League as a “dream” and said it was an opportunity he couldn’t turn down.
West Ham’s reshuffle continues
Kandolin will link up with the squad at Rush Green when pre-season training begins. He’ll work with Alphonse Areola and new signing Wes Foderingham, with Lukasz Fabianski having left the club on July 1.
Fabianski, who recently turned 40, is reportedly keen to continue his playing career in London. Kandolin’s appointment follows Valero’s exit, who has since joined Liverpool, and marks another piece of Potter’s backroom revamp.
Ankergren still in the frame
While Kandolin’s arrival is official, there may be more to come. Claret & Hugh reported that West Ham are also interested in bringing in Danish coach Casper Ankergren from Brøndby.
Ankergren previously worked with Mads Hermansen at Leicester City, and there has been talk of the pair joining the club together. When Claret & Hugh reached out to a senior source at West Ham about the possibility of a “duo,” the response was: “Sorry I can’t comment at this stage about anybody!”
The lack of a firm denial raised eyebrows. Claret & Hugh noted the club has been quick to dismiss false rumours recently, suggesting there may be substance to this one.
For now, Kandolin is through the door. But Potter’s backroom plans may not be fully complete just yet.
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