According to latest reports, Norwich City are keeping tabs on Newcastle United goalkeeper, Freddie Woodman for a possible season-long loan deal. The 21-year-old does not wish to sit on the benches at Tyneside for another campaign and is ready to pack his bags in search of first-team experience.
The Magpies just recently announced the signing of Martin Dubravka on a permanent deal from FC Prague after his successful 6-month loan spell at the St James’ Park. Rafael Benitez pulled off a masterstroke in selecting the Slovakian international, who hit the ground running immediately on his arrival to the Premier League.
It is understood that Dubravka is the number one choice for the Spanish boss with Karl Darlow and Rob Elliot also in the side as backups. Even with his new winner’s medal for the English U21 side, Woodman has little to no chance of breaking into the first squad even for the inconsequential cup or league matches.
A shame really for a promising 21-year-old to be devoid of regular playing time but such is the case for goalkeepers in every club. It is hard to compete for a single spot against more than one person and more experienced professionals often get the nod ahead of the youngsters.
Woodman is a graduate of the Newcastle United youth academy, having joined the side back in 2013 after leaving Crystal Palace. The Croydon-born shot-stopper has represented England till the U21 side and has also won the FIFA U-20 World Cup with his country along with the Golden Glove award.
He pulled off the same feat in the Toulon tournament last week, extending his tally to 56 appearances for the England youth sides. Woodman enjoyed a bit of form during his short loan spell with Aberdeen but was left out of the squad in the late stages.
Previously, he made 11 League Two appearances for Crawley Town and 14 in the Scottish Premiership for Kilmarnock. A proven talent with firm hands and quick feet in between the sticks, Woodman is one of the highly rated English goalkeeping talents.
He has the potential to one day become a prominent figure in his country’s lineup but even the player himself knows that the feat is impossible to achieve without the platform to prove himself.
With 2 years still left in his Newcastle contract, the youngster is ready to test himself in unknown waters and should definitely make the switch to Norwich, if given the chance.
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The Canaries currently have Michael McGovern as their number one choice with Remi Mathews and Paul Jones returning from their respective loan spells.
