If a report from the Chronicle Live is believed to be true, Celtic are considering a summer move for Freddie Woodman to resolve their goalkeeper conundrum. But they are not alone in the hunt as the likes of Southampton and Swansea City are also chasing the signing of the Newcastle United custodian. He spent a couple of years on loan with the Swans, however, a playoff final defeat against Brentford has put them on the back foot amid interest from Premier League clubs and Scottish Premiership hotshots.
Woodman joined the Magpies academy ranks from Crystal Palace before turning professional and represented England in various youth ranks including the 2014 UEFA European Under-17 Championship and the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He was integral to the U21s’ 2018 Toulon Tournament triumph and the persistent success at the youth level depicts his potential to represent the Three Lions in the forthcoming future.
While he featured 92 times under Steve Cooper, two brief stints in Scotland with Kilmarnock and Aberdeen helped him gain confidence at the highest level before plying his trade in Wales for assured game-time. His experience in the Premiership would help him attune to the Scottish environment and the Hoops, thus, are willing to secure his services ahead of other suitors.
Why Celtic Should Rope Him In
Celtic splashed the cash last summer on Vasilis Barkas. The Greece international was supposed to be an upgrade over both Craig Gordon and Fraser Forster, instead ended up as the second-choice behind Scott Bain following an array of erroneous outcomes. Young Conor Hazard was handed a few starts, but the Bhoys must restore stability between the sticks and find an able ‘number 1’.
While it is still unclear whether Barkas would be at Parkhead next season, they have also been linked to a move for Dundee United shot-stopper Benjamin Siegrist. His contract runs down in the summer of 2022 and the Tangerines would rather accept a minuscule figure this window over losing him for nothing eventually.
Having said that, Celtic should step up the chase for Freddie Woodman who is now experienced enough for his next career move. The Magpies have three senior custodians in their ranks with Martin Dúbravka reclaiming the first-team status following his injury return. Karl Darlow has been excellent as the understudy to the Slovak professional, whereas the signing of Mark Gillespie from Motherwell (on a Bosman) has jeopardized the youngster’s future even further at St. James’ Park. It is to be seen now where the Englishman ends up prior to the upcoming term.
