According to the reports from the Chronicle, Celtic are still interested in Newcastle United’s custodian Freddie Woodman. The Hoops were linked with the English goalkeeper in the summer, but nothing materialised. Along with the reigning Scottish Champions, Arsenal are also said to be interested in the u-20 World Cup-winning goalkeeper.
Woodman had signed an extension in August, and the new deal will keep him at St. James’ Park until 2021. The goalkeeper is currently on a season-long loan to Swansea City in the Championship. The Magpies have a top goalkeeper in the form of Martin Dubravka, and as a result, Woodman would have struggled for game time at the Tyneside club.
Does Celtic need a goalkeeper?
The Hoops had brought in Fraser Forster on loan when Scott Bain suffered an injury problem. Craig Gordon is past his prime, and he is in the final year of his contract at the club. We think that Gordon is unlikely to get a new contract once his deal expires.
It remains to be seen whether the Hoops will look to sign Forster permanently once his loan deal expires. Bain has looked decent ever since he became the no. 1 for Celtic. If the club isn’t able to sign Forster permanently then the Hoops will need a new goalkeeper for the next season. For this season, Lennon is well covered with three decent options.
Can Freddie Woodman be an option for the Hoops?
The young goalkeeper’s claim to fame was his involvement in the u-20 World Cup which the Three Lions won for the first time in their history. Woodman played a big part in the final as he saved a late penalty against Venezuela in the final during regulation time when England were leading by one goal to nil. In the end, England won 1-0 and Woodman also secured the coveted golden glove award.
However, at the club level, he is still waiting for his chances, and he was only involved in a few cup games in the last campaign. Woodman is seen as a promising goalkeeper with a decent ability with his feet. He is known to be a smart mover and someone who possesses sharp reflexes. The youngster has looked the part for Swansea so far this season as they sit second on the table in the Championship.
Woodman has the potential to be a top goalkeeper, but if the Lennon can retain the services of Forster permanently after this season, then we don’t see the need for the club to go after Woodman.
