As per reports in The Chronicle, Leeds United have enquired about a possible loan switch for Newcastle United’s custodian Freddie Woodman. The Whites had some major crisis in goal last month as both Bailey Peacock Farrell and Jamal Blackman were injured and the club had to start with the relatively inexperienced William Huffer in goal for one game. However, Bielsa has Peacock Farrell fit again as his injury wasn’t too serious.
Freddie Woodman is a budding English goalkeeper, and Rafael Benitez had even said that he is the future of Newcastle United. However, with Martin Dibravka and Karl Darlow available as options, the 21-year-old is still awaiting his debut this season and admitted that he is currently going through a bad situation.
He was quoted as saying (The Mirror),”I want to get the best out of a bad situation. January is around the corner and I have to be prepared for it when it comes. I’ve always said I enjoy playing football so whatever level it is, I am going to enjoy it.”
Leeds’ managing director Angus Kinnear recently confirmed that the club would look to sign a new goalkeeper early in January and Woodman seems to be on the shortlist at the moment.
The 21-year-old came into the limelight when he won the u-20 World Cup with the Three Lions for the first time in their history. Woodman’s contribution in the final was a major one as he kept out a penalty kick from Venezuela to give his side a narrow 1-0 win. The youngster even went on to claim the golden glove award.
The Whites are struggling with their goalkeeping options since last season now. Peacock Farrell’s performance has been patchy so far and given that the Whites dominate the possession, the Northern Irish stopper isn’t tested much usually. But when called upon, he has failed to produce the goods. Bielsa had already confirmed that if not for the injury then Chelsea loanee Blackman would have replaced Peacock Farrell in goal.
Woodman is a huge upcoming talent and we believe he could be the no. 1 in goal for the Whites if he arrives on loan. However, given that he is inexperienced, United might have to be a bit patient with him and allow him to settle in. The club has a young and promising goalie in the form of Peacock Farrell and so we think to go for an experienced option would make more sense.
With so much riding on this season, Bielsa’s men need a bit of a commanding voice and leader at the back instead of a goalkeeper who is looking to establish himself at the club level. The priority should be to get someone more experienced and if the Whites fail to land that player with proper experience, then they can go after Woodman.
