Sky Sports: West Ham ‘Agree Deal’ Worth £18m to Sign Leicester City Star | OneFootball

West Ham Clinch Deal for Mads Hermansen After Lengthy Negotiations

West Ham United have agreed a deal worth £18 million for Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, as revealed by Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett. The move, which had appeared off the table only days ago, signals a decisive moment in the Hammers’ summer recruitment strategy.

Negotiations between the clubs initially reached a stalemate, with West Ham’s opening bid of £13 million falling significantly short of Leicester’s valuation. At one point, West Ham shifted their focus to Botafogo’s John Victor, seemingly closing the chapter on Hermansen. However, talks quietly continued behind the scenes, culminating in an agreement that now sees Hermansen poised to make the move to London.

As Sky Sports confirms, “West Ham originally walked away from a deal for Leicester’s number one, with the two clubs a long way apart on his valuation last week.” Despite this breakdown, both sides remained open to compromise, with Leicester softening their stance enough to finalise terms at £18 million.

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Medical Scheduled in London

Hermansen, 24, is now set to travel to London to undergo his medical with West Ham on Friday. His absence from Leicester’s Championship opener against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday all but confirms the deal is imminent. As Sky Sports notes, “Hermansen will now not be available for Leicester’s Championship opener.”

This development suggests West Ham’s recruitment strategy under manager Graham Potter is progressing with a clear focus. After an unsettled goalkeeping situation last season, with inconsistency in the number one role, Hermansen’s arrival could bring much-needed stability between the sticks.

West Ham’s Goalkeeping Revamp

Hermansen joined Leicester City from Brøndby in the summer of 2023 and quickly established himself as their first-choice goalkeeper. His performances in the Championship drew considerable interest, with many praising his agility, shot-stopping and calmness in possession.

West Ham fans will be hopeful that Hermansen’s profile fits Potter’s desire for ball-playing goalkeepers capable of building attacks from deep. The Danish international’s ability to command his area and remain composed under pressure aligns well with the tactical identity Potter is instilling at London Stadium.

This move comes as the Hammers look to rebuild with precision rather than panic, taking calculated steps to ensure their squad is Premier League-ready, not just in name but in mentality and depth. Securing a goalkeeper of Hermansen’s calibre signals serious intent.

Investment Reflects Strategic Shift

The agreed £18 million fee reflects West Ham’s willingness to invest properly in key positions. After initially walking away, their decision to re-engage with Leicester suggests that Potter’s influence is already being felt at board level.

Hermansen’s impending arrival also ensures that West Ham can start the season with a reliable presence in goal, allowing Potter to build his defensive unit on firm foundations.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a West Ham fan, this deal ticks all the right boxes. Mads Hermansen is a top-class talent, and although £18 million might feel like a stretch on paper, this is exactly the type of player we need if we are serious about stabilising and pushing higher up the table.

Credit to the board for not giving up when negotiations got tricky. It would have been easy to settle for a cheaper option like John Victor, but going back for Hermansen shows ambition. He’s already proven he can handle pressure at Leicester, and his calmness under pressure will be crucial, especially with how Potter wants us to play from the back.

It’s also great to see that we’re backing Graham Potter in the market. After seasons of reactive signings, this feels like a proactive move. With Hermansen coming in, and hopefully a few more signings in key areas, there’s real reason for optimism.

This move strengthens the spine of our team and gives us something we haven’t had in years — a young goalkeeper who could be our number one for seasons to come. Welcome to the Claret and Blue, Mads.