Leicester City move to protect transfer but revelation prompts question over survival decision

Mads Hermansen has undergone surgery having been managed through an injury over the second half of the campaign, during which his form has not matched up to his world-class best

With a thumbs up and a big grin, Mads Hermansen posted a picture from a hospital bed this week after Ruud van Nistelrooy revealed the goalkeeper had undergone groin surgery and would miss the remainder of the campaign.

Accompanying the photo was a caption in which the Leicester City number one said it was an operation that needed doing to ensure “I am able to perform to my highest level next season”.

In using the phrase ‘my highest level’, Hermansen was almost certainly referring to his own displays and the ability he is able to show. He wants to get back to his best.

But also, if slightly misinterpreted, ‘my highest level’ could be deemed as a reference to the stage he wants to play at. Because it does feel like he’s too good for the Championship.

Hermansen’s operation does seem like a decision that helps all parties ahead of a summer transfer.

City need sales and no player in their squad can generate profit like Hermansen can. Signed for £6.5m two years ago, he might now be worth five times that.

Hermansen, having proven over two seasons he can play with his feet and keep the ball out of the net, is probably deserving of a move to a higher-ranking club.

For both City and Hermansen, his groin problem won’t now scupper a transfer.

But the news that Hermansen required surgery on the groin problem he first suffered in December, and van Nistelrooy’s revelation that he had been managing and playing through pain, does pose questions.

Because Hermansen hasn’t been as good since he returned to fitness.