West Ham’s Mads Hermansen Faces Uncertain Future After Goalkeeping Change

West Ham United’s goalkeeper situation has taken a significant turn following the managerial transition from Graham Potter to Nuno Espirito Santo. In his final act before being dismissed, Potter opted to change the team’s goalkeeper, a decision that has left Mads Hermansen, signed for nearly £20 million from relegated Leicester City, facing an uncertain future.

Hermansen, who started the first four matches of the season, conceded 11 goals from a total of 27 faced. His lack of form led to the return of Alphonse Areola, who has since secured his position as the first-choice goalkeeper despite a shaky start. Under Nuno, Areola has remained in goal, while Hermansen has found himself relegated to the bench.

The 25-year-old Danish shot-stopper’s struggles have raised questions about his long-term prospects at West Ham. Speaking on BBC 5 Live during the team’s recent 2-0 loss against Liverpool, former player Clinton Morrison remarked on Hermansen’s predicament. “Alphonse Areola has made the jersey his own,” Morrison stated, emphasizing that Hermansen’s lack of play could lead to a departure from the club.

Despite Areola’s performance, which includes critical saves that have kept West Ham competitive, he has yet to register a clean sheet this season. In the match against Liverpool, he faced challenges but demonstrated his value by making crucial saves, including a notable stop against Alexander Isak. Areola’s previous match against Bournemouth was another highlight, where he made eight saves and recorded a remarkable expected goals differential of 2.1.

When comparing the two goalkeepers, statistics reveal a stark contrast. Hermansen recorded a -1.7 post-shot expected goals (PSxG) in his brief appearances, while Areola’s metrics indicate a more favorable performance. Areola not only boasts a higher save percentage but also excels in passing and claiming crosses, solidifying his status as the preferred choice.

As West Ham prepares for a demanding schedule, including a fixture against Manchester United on November 2, 2023, it appears Areola will continue as the number one goalkeeper. The team will also face challenges from Aston Villa and Manchester City in the weeks ahead.

Hermansen’s current situation raises concerns about his ability to re-establish himself as a top-level goalkeeper, especially with national team duties where he is still behind Kasper Schmeichel in the pecking order. His future at West Ham remains uncertain, with the January transfer window looming and speculation about a possible exit growing as he searches for playing time.

With Nuno now firmly in charge, the focus will be on how he can maintain West Ham’s momentum while addressing the goalkeeper dilemma that has emerged during this transitional period.