Mads Hermansen’s £15m move to West Ham has so far failed to deliver, with the Denmark boss confessing he’s concerned about his goalkeeper’s current situation.
The ex-Leicester City shot-stopper endured a rough beginning with the Hammers, letting in 11 goals across his opening four games, as the Dane notably struggled to deal with corners and long throws.
He was subsequently dropped from the starting eleven and hasn’t been able to reclaim his position under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who has opted for Alphonse Areola as his first choice in goal.
Rumours are now circulating that the Hammers may decide to cut their losses on Hermansen and attempt to offload the 25-year-old this January.
Naturally, there’s growing unease about his lack of game time. His national team coach Brian Riemer admitted the situation is “not good” and that although Hermansen has been called up for this month’s international matches, it could become a “challenge” to keep selecting him if he remains benched.
“It does (worry me),” Riemer told Danish media. “Of course, when you are somewhere where you don’t play at all, it’s not good. I don’t think I need to stand here and say that it is, because that’s logic.
“But Mads is a fantastically-talented goalkeeper, and what reassures me is that I’m sure he will find himself at West Ham and solve the situation that has arisen now.
“I know how skilled he is, he shows it every time we are together. That is also one of the reasons why he has been selected again here now. I know how hard he trains at West Ham.
“But it is clear that in the long run – not only for Mads but for the squad in general – it is clear that if you are somewhere where you don’t play any minutes, it will become a challenge at some point.”
Although Hermansen has been a consistent presence in Denmark’s squad for several years, he has yet to make his debut, with former City captain Kasper Schmeichel still holding the number one spot.
Hermansen was City’s most significant sale of the summer, with an initial fee of £15m that could rise to £18m with add-ons.