Graham Potter might not have got a lot right at West Ham United, but it’s starting to look as if the signing of Mads Hermansen was rather inspired.
Paying £20million at the time for the goalkeeper relegated with Leicester City raised eyebrows here in east London and the initial doubts among sections of the fanbase appeared to be confirmed when Hermansen initially struggled for West Ham.
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Recently, however, Hermansen has proven to be one of West Ham’s most important players. The Dane, after all, has kept the only four clean sheets his side have mustered all season.
While Nuno Espirito Santo stopped Hermansen from leaving West Ham in January, it was Potter who gave him the initial seal of approval. He said there was simply “no doubt” that the ‘keeper would prove to be a fantastic signing.
Upon signing the goalkeeper in August 2025, Potter told West Ham’s official website: “His shot-stopping ability and distribution are strengths to his game, and he has a fantastic attitude with a clear desire to keep improving, which is something we place a high value in with our players.
“We have real strength in depth within the goalkeeping department at the moment, and I have no doubt that Mads will be a fantastic addition to the group moving forwards.”
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How Mads Hermansen came good for West Ham United
Hermansen is helping West Ham play more progressive football, with his distribution skills generally seen as much better than Areola’s.
West Ham’s recent turnaround in form, however, wouldn’t be possible if Hermansen was simply a ball-playing goalkeeper.
While it’s good to have that in his locker, the saves Hermansen has made over the past few games are equally as important to his ability on the ball.
The 25-year-old may not be perfect, but he has produced some key saves at important times.
West Ham’s win over Burnley in early February, after all, may not have been such a routine victory had the Denmark international not made two fine saves at Turf Moor.
Without Hermansen against Fulham on Wednesday, West Ham wouldn’t have taken three crucial points from Craven Cottage.
Hermansen could yet look like a brilliant signing and a relative snip at a reported £20million…
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