What Danny Ward’s new deal means for Leicester’s goalkeepers

What the deal means for other goalkeepers

Let me get this out of the way: Kasper Schmeichel remains the No.1 until he is either injured or retires. Schmeichels positioning and his authority over his penalty box make him THE leader you would want for your defence. Ward’s new deal does nothing to upset that.

Ward’s new deal spells the final end at Leicester for two other players. Jakupovic and Iversen will leave the Foxes. Jakupovic is a triple backup who will likely retire after years of being No.2 and now No.3.

Iversen has been impressive for Preston North End on loan this season. He has been an excellent shot stopper, though the team ahead of him is perhaps not the best – especially after they lost Ben Davies to Liverpool FC.

Despite how good he has been on loan, and despite his relative youth, Danny Ward is a better overall goalkeeper and is more experienced in the here and now. Brendan Rodgers does not need a project as a No.2, he needs a reliable backup. If Iversen stayed, he would either go back on loan or become No.3.

Meanwhile, the youngster goalkeepers Stolarczyk and Chituru Odunze – both of which have been excellent and offer the same dynamic as Schmeichel and Ward respectively – will get no opportunities from the bench next season in any competition.

Danny Ward is the player to bring on if needed, or the player to start when needed. That being said, should a long-term injury fall upon our No.1 Dane, then Ward becomes No.1 and the likelihood is that Stolarczyk is on the bench.

Ward’s new deal pushes prospects and backups out of the club, cementing his position as the one to play if not the Great Dane. It also means that no new signings for that position will come in the next three years at least. That being said, there are other positions a lot more important.

Nevertheless, expect him to get more game time in cups going forward – he would not have agreed a deal without game time guaranteed – and expect to see the youngsters on the bench in European competitions.

Leicester City have plenty of good options, plenty of prospects, and a reliable backup. The deal secures the safe position for the Foxes.