Liverpool have accomplished one other piece of enterprise that claims loads about our summer time technique — but it surely’s the context round Freddie Woodman’s arrival that provides much more intrigue.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper has signed on a free switch after leaving Preston North Finish, the place he performed 138 video games and received Participant of the Yr in 2022/23.
Paul Joyce, writing for The Occasionsreviews: “Liverpool are set to signal Freddie Woodman on a free switch from Preston North Finish as a part of the revamp of their goalkeeping division.”
It’s additionally been confirmed on liverpoolfc.com that the previous England youth worldwide will start pre-season coaching with us subsequent month.
What’s fascinating is how shut Manchester United reportedly got here to rivaling us.
In accordance with The Lancashire SubmitUnited thought-about a transfer earlier than opting to resume 39-year-old Tom Heaton’s deal as an alternative.
It’s a alternative that underlines how our recruitment group is planning for the longer term — and the way Arne Slot is reshaping the division to assist Alisson and incoming No.2 Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Liverpool add UEFA listing benefit with Woodman transfer
Image by way of liverpoolfc.com
Woodman isn’t simply arriving as skilled cowl.
As a result of he spent over three years taking part in in England between the ages of 15 and 21, the previous Newcastle and Swansea stopper counts as affiliation educated.
Which means he received’t take up one in all our 17 non-homegrown UEFA slots — a vital element as we steadiness our European squad round high-value incomings like Florian Wirtz.
With Vitezslav Jaros loaned to Ajax and Harvey Davies heading to Crawley City, a 3rd senior keeper was at all times a necessity.
Woodman, who received the U20 World Cup with England in 2017, suits the invoice.
There’s additionally the fascinating be aware that the Croydon-born keeper is godson to Gareth Southgate and son of Bromley supervisor Andy Woodman.
Alongside the arrivals of Mamardashvili and Armin Pecsi, the signing exhibits how a lot thought goes into constructing a brand new goalkeeping unit behind the scenes.
The deal could not break the web — but it surely may show quietly decisive in one other lengthy season.
