Leicester City are to assess goalkeeper Daniel Iversen during pre-season ahead of potential permanent moves away. Here is all the latest on the Dane.
The King Power club have released third choice ‘keeper Eldin Jakupovic in a move which surprises no supporter. Having played only four games, his time at the side was always due to end.
Nevertheless, this leaves a space open in the senior side for another shot stopper. Brendan Rodgers has plenty of options already at the club, with two former loanee players returning ahead of our pre-season fixtures.
The pair returning and competing will be Danish second Iversen and Polish youngster Jakub Stolarczyk. There are updates on links for the Danish goalkeeper and plenty of fanfare to discuss.
Leicester City’s next Danish ‘keeper?
Having spent plenty of time out on loan, Daniel Iversen is an experienced goalie entering the prime age of a shot stopper. Now is the time to decide his future.
According to Preston North End manager Ryan Lowe, the Lilywhites’ have benefited massively from having Iversen on their team for 18 months. The Dane certainly made an impression on the players and on their supporters. Please click below to continue the article on the subsequent page.
The Danish international won their player of the year from supporters and fellow players. For Preston, he appeared in 46 games in the 21/22 Championship season, making 128 saves and keeping 13 clean sheets.
The Dane is a no-nonsense player. During general play, he will prevent most simple shots and has made some startling saves. Additionally, from corners and cross Iversen makes high claims and challenges for the ball – a quality Kasper Schmeichel has lost for Leicester.
The Foxes should be looking at what Lowe has said and what his reliable performances show. The player is ready for an opportunity. Plus, the goalkeeper has a contract with the King Power side up until 2025, so there should be no rush.
This being said, Iversen will now want to settle down and choose a permanent home to be the No. 1. Leicester City will not be able to offer him this now or tomorrow. The Dane would have to wait.
What next for the Foxes?
According to reports, both Stolarczyk and Iversen are to be assessed during pre-season. However, I would expect a decision to be made on the Dane and for the Polish ‘keeper to be returned on loan to continue his development.
However, Leicester will look forward to their future. If Iversen remains, he will be second choice and play more in domestic cup competitions. If he leaves, they have Stolarczyk and Brad Young developing quickly. Plus, we still have Welsh international Danny Ward.
In my opinion, we should sell Iversen. The player will not want to go back out on loan and is not good enough in terms of distribution to really become our first team goalkeeper. Stylistically, the stopper is almost identical to Schmeichel: which is not what we need anymore. We need a progressive sweeper keeper, not a high-quality shot-stopper.
With Schmeichel still at the club, still one of the best, and still our captain, there is no chance for our other Danish goalkeeper. We have enough high-quality options to choose from to afford to lose this one. As much as we want him to be given the chance, we already know what we will get.
For example, Stolarczyk went out on loan to Dunfermline during the 21/22 season and provided a more all-round style. His distribution is better though the Polish player will still have to improve on his shot stopping to earn a place in Rodgers’ squad.
I should expect our U23 ‘keeper to return on loan again. With positioning, maturity, and leadership still in need of development, experience of first team football will be the best thing for Stolarczyk. He will be happy to continue this rather than being an unhappy third choice ‘keeper.