In one of the most unexpected transfers of 2022, Leicester City are on the brink of losing one of their modern-day legends. After 11 years, 478 appearances, and four trophies, Kasper Schmeichel is set to depart the Midlands and sign with OGC Nice in the French Ligue 1
The Foxes are currently the only side in Europe’s top seven leagues who are yet to make a single signing. Unable to sign anyone until they sell their fringe players and free up wages, yet not having suiters for their deadwood, Brendan Rodgers has had to resolve to selling some of his more established stars.
The club initially expected Youri Tielemans to depart, paving way for more freedom with their transfer funds. Tielemans, however, is still at the club, with no bids coming in for the Belgian. Refusing to sell Maddison for Newcastle’s, frankly, ridiculous offer, and adamant to keep Wesley Fofana, Schmeichel’s transfer has been an unfortunate necessity if the Foxes want to do business this summer. Whilst the move has been rumoured for over a week now, it has finally been announced.
The Foxes now find themselves in a situation that they haven’t been in since 2011: finding a new No.1. Whilst the transfer mill is throwing up names such as Nantes’ Alban Lafont and Benfica’s Greek ‘keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, the solution may already be at the club.
After Eldin Jakupović’s departure at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, there are now only two established senior goalkeepers at LCFC: Danny Ward and Daniel Iverson, whilst youngster Jakub Stolarczyk still needs experience before he is considered for the job.
Ward has been at the club since 2018 after he completed a £12m switch from Liverpool. Whilst he has only played 18 times for Leicester – recently making his long-awaited Premier League debut for them – he has impressed whenever he has been chosen between the sticks.
For club, he has gained a reputation for being a penalty shoot-out hero in the cup competitions, but it is at international level where he has truly shone. Representing Wales in Euro 2020, his impressive performances saw him take the No.1 spot from Wayne Hennessey and he excelled under the spotlight.
Ward was always in a tricky position when he signed for the Foxes. De-throning Kasper is something many have failed to do, but Ward has hardly put a foot wrong whenever he has played. We would have seen a lot more of him in pre-season if not for injury – which he has now recovered from – therefore giving Daniel Iverson his audition in front of Brendan Rodgers.
The Danish goalkeeper joined the Foxes’ youth academy in 2016 and has impressed during his rise up the ranks whilst out of loan. Most recently at Preston North End, Iverson’s performances saw him win back-to-back player of the season awards with the Championship side in two separate loan spells.
Arriving back at his parent club, a lot of hype built around Iverson, and fans have been able to get a good look at him as he has played a part in every pre-season game possible. Still finding his feet at the top level, he kept a clean sheet against Sevilla and is an outside bet on claiming the No.1 shirt.
It seems as though Rodgers has made his decision though, with the experience and reliability of Danny Ward being exactly what the side needs in their opening Premier League game at home to Brentford. Speaking to the press on Monday, this is what the gaffer had to say about the now fit Welsh international:
"“Danny Ward is an exceptional keeper, I’ve always said we’ve got a number one keeper there. He’s had some issues around his knee but that looks to be behind him now, he’s been training well. He’s looked good. If Kasper is to go, he’s a big possibility for us”. Via LeicestershireLive"
Ward’s position isn’t entirely secure, however, and Iverson will be pushing him in training as he aims to claim a starting spot. And Leicester could of course yet find a replacement in the market if they deem necessary. Either way, Rodgers will want to ensure that his team is in the safest hands possible – pun fully intended!