(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Match

West Ham in race against time to sign goalkeeper who's capable of magic

Alex Charlton
Alex Charlton

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

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West Ham may have already added a goalkeeper to their ranks this summer, but another one could soon arrive.

West Ham signed Mads Hermansen from Leicester City for a reported £20million, making him their new number one.

However, Hermansen has endured a woeful start to his West Ham career, meaning the Hammers have hit the panic button.

Indeed, they must accelerate a deal fast to sign a goalkeeper who can cast a spell to turn Graham Potter's fortunes around.

West Ham goalkeeper Mads Hermansen applauds.
The goalkeeper has looked nervous between the sticks (Credit: Imago)

Ivor Pandur deal possible for West Ham before deadline day

Hermansen's debut against Sunderland was not ideal, conceding three goals and arguably at fault for the Black Cats' third, but it was not a catastrophe.

However, against Chelsea, Hermansen was a real concern, completely devoid of confidence and lost in his own area.

Now, Hermansen will be furious as Potter has lined up a move for Ivor Pandur of Hull City.

The East London club are clearly not confident in their new number one and are acting to secure an upgrade imminently.

Indeed, the Hammers are in concrete talks to sign Pandur, according to Ben Heckner on 28 August.

Furthermore, the journalist reports that with discussions ongoing, a deal is still possible before Deadline Day, with a race against time now on.

Read more: West Ham line up yet another deal after Mateus Fernandes as likely Southampton fee revealed

Why is outstanding Ivor Pandur capable of magic?

Pandur arrived at Hull last summer from Dutch side Fortuna Sittard and was firmly the Tigers' number one last term.

When he arrived at the Championship club, manager Liam Rosenior was full of praise for his new recruit.

"Ivor is a player with really good pedigree. The scouting team and I have watched him for a long time, and he's someone we feel can learn and develop in our first-team environment," Rosenior said via BBC Sport in January 2024.

"He's got a lot of potential and many qualities. He's an outstanding shot-stopper with agility and plays with personality."

  • Pandur prevented 1.6 league goals last season, according to Sofascore
  • He conceded an average of 1.2 goals per game
  • The goalkeeper made 2.8 saves per game, with a save percentage of 70 per cent

After Rosenior and then Tim Walter departed their managerial posts, Pandur had to be on top form to guide the struggling Tigers towards safety, and he did just that.

As teammate Abu Kamara expressed after a crucial 1-1 draw with Coventry City in April, the goalkeeper "made some magical saves which kept us in the game," as per The Yorkshire Evening Post.

Given how the Irons have been performing so far this season, they need a goalkeeper who can produce in big moments.

In Pandur, West Ham might just have their magic man to get Potter's side out of deep, deep trouble.

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