Another clean sheet for Mads Hermansen this week has done little to silence the ongoing debate surrounding West Ham’s goalkeeping department. While the Danish international continues to produce solid performances, some supporters remain unconvinced that he is the long-term answer between the posts. With Alphonse Areola widely expected to depart next summer, attention has inevitably turned towards who could challenge, or perhaps even succeed, the club’s current number one.
That discussion was only amplified by Pierce Charles’ heroic display for QPR against West Ham. The Northern Ireland international produced a string of outstanding saves, further enhancing his growing reputation and prompting fresh questions over whether the Hammers missed out on signing one of Britain’s most promising young goalkeepers.
What many supporters may not realise is that Charles came close to joining West Ham in 2025.
After impressing for Sheffield Wednesday and earning senior international recognition with Northern Ireland, the goalkeeper was recommended to the club by influential agent Will Salthouse. With Wednesday facing financial difficulties at the time, there was a belief a deal could be struck. However, several offers were rejected by the Owls, including a proposal that would have seen Charles return to Hillsborough on loan.
Charles eventually secured a move to Manchester City for a fee believed to be around £3 million before being loaned to QPR this season.
waiting in the wings? Fin Herrick seems to be part of West Ham’s long term plan
Yet, while Charles’ progress is attracting plenty of headlines, West Ham may already possess a goalkeeper on a similarly encouraging trajectory.
Finlay Herrick has been with the club since the age of six and has steadily climbed through England’s international ranks, representing his country at Under-16, Under-17, Under-18, Under-19 and now Under-20 level. In his limited opportunities with the first team, he has acquitted himself well, most notably saving a penalty in West Ham’s FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Leeds United last season. Ironically, the player denied from the spot that day was none other than his current team-mate, Joel Piroe.
Nuno Espírito Santo has already made it clear that the club have a development plan in place for Herrick, with the intention of preparing him for regular first-team football in the years ahead.
Whether that opportunity arrives next season remains to be seen. Should Areola depart, Herrick could find himself stepping into the role of Hermansen’s understudy. And while Charles’ rise may serve as a reminder of an opportunity that got away, West Ham’s future between the posts could already be sitting much closer to home.