What would you like to see happen with our goalkeepers this season?
I would honestly think about moving on beyond Kasper. As the summer goes on that seems more and more unlikely, but as I pointed out in my squad appraisal recently, what is there to gain from him staying on to see out his deal? He's been an absolutely colossal player for us – an undisputed club legend we'll respect forever – but clearly we're struggling to grow this summer and his wages surely aren't helping that.
Kasper has stated himself that he wants more from his career before time's up. Leicester City simply can't offer him anything beyond more domestic servitude in 2022-23. With Danny Ward desperate for a World Cup spot, Daniel Iversen on the up and our set-piece situation in dire need of change, there's perhaps never been a better time for all parties to move on.
Joe Brewin
A lot is being made of Rodgers’ decision not to take Schmeichel away on the pre-season camp. Kasper has spoken about his desire to play European football again before retirement, but personally I just can’t see him leaving.
Ward seems destined to forever be our number two, while Iversen probably isn’t ready to make the step up yet, so you’d assume it’ll still be business as normal come the 1st September.
Should Schmeichel leave, though, then we have to dip into the market. Ideally signing a taller keeper who commands their box from crosses and likes to play out from the back.
From the women’s side, I’m very excited to see Levell back this season after such a nasty injury. Lambourne did an admirable job in Levell’s absence, but Kirstie was in inspired early-season form, so hopefully she can recapture that.
Charlie Carmichael
In an ideal world, a new goalkeeper would be great, but with our financial situation, that's not going to happen.
For the upcoming season, I'd keep it the way it is for now. There is no doubting that Kasper Schmeichel has been a loyal servant and is a club legend, but a new goalkeeper should be an area we look to invest in next summer (if we have any funds).
There's no doubt that replacing the 35-year-old Dane is going to prove difficult, but a commanding goalkeeper would be a good start. Kasper's passive nature from corners and crosses certainly hasn't helped our unassured defending of set-pieces.
Lastly, send Daniel Iversen on loan again to a top-end Championship side. He had a successful loan spell at Preston last season, and if the club do decide he's not good enough to be the first-choice goalkeeper, then at least he should command a decent fee if he impresses yet again on loan. We signed Danny Ward for over £12m in 2018, and it took until May of this year for him to make his Premier League debut. Keeping Iversen as a third-choice keeper would only stifle his development as it has with the former Liverpool man.
Dante Clarke
The situation with Kasper feels similar to what we’ll soon face with Jamie Vardy, and perhaps Jonny Evans too. They’re all still good enough at the moment but we haven’t got 100% confidence in their natural successors just yet. Daniel Iversen hasn’t played enough games at the top level and Danny Ward hasn’t played enough games full stop.
Ideally, Ward would prove himself with a cup run or two. It would be great if Iversen could have a decent season on loan in a top flight somewhere. But that step up from Championship to Premier League is so difficult for a goalkeeper. In Odunze, Stolarczyk and Young we appear to have several other promising young keepers at the club and hopefully at least one will emerge as a contender for the number one shirt in time.
As for Kasper, I have to share my genuine hatred for those floated balls he chips up to the wing-back area, given how often opposition players charge onto them and put us on the back foot. A true club legend though and, as fans, really we should handle the transition to his eventual departure with the same class he’s displayed for so many years. I guess I’ll forgive him the floaty nonsense.
David Bevan
Personally, I’m not sure that we need to do anything as such, but it doesn’t hurt to have an eye on the future. He may not have had a perfect season last time out, but Kasper Schmeichel is still more than good enough to be our number one and his leadership in the dressing room is equally valuable. I’m aware that I may be in a minority here, or if I’m not then we’re not as vocal as the anti-Kasper group. Did he make mistakes? Yes, but then so did virtually every squad member last campaign. His just tend to result in a goal rather than allowing another teammate to bail him out.
It’s reassuring to have a good second choice like Danny Ward who can step up. But I’m not sold on him being the answer if Kasper is viewed as the problem - see Nottingham Forest away. Ward’s performances at international level have surpassed what he’s been able to do for us largely, but then he is in and out of the team as needed. He’s also been around the set-up long enough now to settle in quickly when required.
Outside of Schmeichel and Ward though, our prospects seem a little more unsure. Should one leave, or face serious injury, we look a little exposed in this position. Perhaps writing this fresh after seeing Iversen have a bit of a nightmare in the first half against Leuven makes this a harsh judgement. We may need to be turning our eye elsewhere though given Jakupovic’s departure for a more mature third-choice keeper.
Helen Nutter
I'm already surprised that Danny Ward has stuck it out as number two for as long as he has; and with a couple of talented youngsters behind him, that feeling will only continue to strengthen.
Unless something drastic happens over this season, Kasper is undoubtedly our number one. I don't think Iversen would be happy to stay as third-choice either, now that Jakupović has moved on; so another loan move might be best for him - if he agrees to it. Unfortunately though, I do worry he might be more inclined to look for a permanent move.
As I've said before, Stolarczyk also needs playing time, and a loan move to a Championship/upper League One side would be much more beneficial for him. He's a couple of years behind Iversen, and his development looks more suitably-timed to coincide with Schmeichel's possible eventual departure.
Ryan Hubbard
I think we should defer the question to next summer. Getting rid of Kasper and trusting the motley crew of back up goalkeepers we have right now would be an act of madness. And realistically, changing ‘keeper is fairly low on the list of priorities for (a hypothetical) project refresh.
Kasper has all sorts of flaws and his dips in form stand out like a sore thumb but when he’s good he’s very, very good. It’s going to be really difficult to find a reliable replacement, and I have no confidence in anyone currently at the club. The younger options are totally unproven, and Ward seems happy to be a career backup.
I do think though that there needs to be a change in mentality with set pieces. At this point I would welcome a balls to the wall, try to catch everything attitude even if it means he gives away a few goals as a result. Staying rooted to the line all season did not work, so let’s try something else. You don’t need to change the personnel to do that; a Premier League ‘keeper is capable of catching crosses. The fact he hasn’t even tried is a tactical decision.
James Knight