West Ham are believed to be pursuing a loan move with an obligation to buy for Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, who is valued around £20 million.
However, Leicester are understood to favour a permanent sale upfront as they look to rebuild following relegation.
The 25-year-old Danish international is high on West Ham’s list as they look to reinforce the goalkeeping department this summer. Talks between the two clubs remain ongoing, with the Hammers pressing for their preferred loan-plus-purchase structure while the Foxes push for a straight deal.
West Ham Preparing Offer for £20m-Rated Hermansen
West Ham’s interest in Hermansen comes amid a wider shake-up in the goalkeeper department. Łukasz Fabiański has left after seven years at the club, prompting an internal reshuffle led by new goalkeeping coach Linus Kandolin.
Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs has reported that West Ham are actively preparing a bid for Hermansen, with Leicester already bracing themselves for formal contact. The keeper joined the Foxes from Brøndby last summer for under £10 million, but Leicester are now looking to cash in at a significantly higher price.
Although Hermansen had been valued closer to £35 million before Leicester’s relegation, it’s not yet clear if that figure will stand. Regardless, Leicester aren’t expected to let a key player go for a cut-price fee.
With West Ham sharpening their interest, Leicester are already laying the groundwork for life without Hermansen. They’ve opened talks with veteran stopper Asmir Begović, possibly as a contingency.
Why Hermansen Matches Potter’s Blueprint at West Ham
New manager Graham Potter is understood to be prioritising technical, modern players at the back, and Hermansen fits that profile cleanly. The Danish keeper is known for his distribution, speed off his line, and composure under pressure, qualities Potter values highly.
In the latest Premier League season, Hermansen made 103 saves in 27 appearances. His standout moment came against Arsenal in September, where he pulled off five top-class saves and earned praise from Jacobs, who called it “one of the best performances from a goalkeeper last season.”
Manchester United have also kept an eye on Hermansen, but West Ham appear to be taking more concrete steps to land him.
Leicester Holding Firm as West Ham Push Negotiations
Discussions around a potential deal for Mads Hermansen are still at an early stage. West Ham are pushing for a loan with an obligation to buy, but Leicester remain adamant in their desire for a one-time, permanent transfer.
While a formal bid hasn’t yet been submitted, momentum is building. West Ham are weighing up how best to structure an offer that gives them financial flexibility, and Leicester are considering how to reinvest the funds as they look to rebound swiftly from their relegation.
A resolution could move quickly once West Ham decide whether to meet Leicester’s terms or continue pushing their preferred loan-to-buy structure.
