The Danish goalkeeper has been nothing short of a revelation for Leicester City. In the wake of Kasper Schmeichel’s departure, neither Danny Ward or Daniel Iversen managed to make it stick between the sticks. Instead, we had a Premier League relegation.
Hermansen’s first season with us showed what a competent goalkeeper can bring to the team. A player who is good with their feet, more composed under pressure, and able to actually do the basics while still making spectacular saves. The Dane is a big reason why the Foxes were promoted, and we would have been relegated sooner were it not for him.
However, with the King Power Club being relegated a second time, the team needs to raise capital in time for transfers in key positions. A new striker to replace Jamie Vardy is desperately required, and several positions need reinforcements to freshen the team. In goal, Hermansen and Jakub Stolarczyk could maintain the side.
Leicester City’s fee for interested clubs
Unfortunately, the viability of selling our assets for a significant value is low, meaning any valuable asset is most likely to leave as Leicester look to undo some of the PSR issues they face. In that context, our best shot-stopper - one of the best players in each season - is our most marketable asset. The Dane is valuable, would usher a large profit, and is wanted.
Brentford and Chelsea are both in the market for Hermansen. The main reason is likely the balanced style of sweeping the Danish goalkeeper brings to the table: coming out only when required and finding impactful positions in goal to maximise his chances of making a save. The Foxes had a strong ‘keeper, and Enzo Maresca certainly likes Hermansen.
That being said, the reported fee is around only £25m. For how important Mads Hermansen is to Leicester City, it feels a little strange to consider selling him for the same amount as the King Power side signed Oliver Skipp and Bilal El Khannouss. The sale has to at least pay for one of those while offering a small amount of additional funds for the striker role to be filled.
I would expect the East Midland’s team to be more intelligent with their most valuable asset, but a desperation sale is entirely possible and could completely derail the transfer market before it begins. It would not be enough to let us sign a prolific goalscorer as well as a midfielder to feed that goalscorer, or any quality centre-back with any energy or pace. The only hope we have is if a bidding war begins. Otherwise, £25m barely benefits the former EFL Championship winners.