Why Newcastle United should send Freddie Woodman out on loan again
According to Daily Express, Newcastle United boss, Steve Bruce, is yet to make a decision regarding the future of promising young goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.
The 23-year-old is currently on loan with Swansea, where he has established himself as the side’s No.1 custodian this season. He has played in all of their 40 league games so far under manager Steve Cooper and has kept an impressive 12 clean sheets. This gives a clear indication of his talent.
Woodman is expected to return to Newcastle at the end of this season and has just one more year left on his contract. Woodman faces an uncertain future at St. James’ Park due to this.
Newcastle currently have Martin Dubravka between the sticks and the 31-year-old has nailed down his spot in the first-team with a string of consistent displays. He has kept 10 clean sheets from 32 Premier League games and has been one of Newcastle’s key performers this season.
Woodman a future No.1 keeper for Newcastle
The Magpies also have Karl Darlow as back-up and most recently agreed to sign Mark Gillespie on a free transfer to become their third-choice keeper. Meanwhile, boss Bruce also confirmed Gillespie’s move to Newcastle and admitted that it was unavoidable, especially considering the fact that veteran keeper Rob Elliot had left the club recently.
With the side already having three experienced keepers in their midst, Woodman’s arrival now will only make him surplus to the club’s requirements. However, he is still young and has already proved his potential this season at Swansea.
He has also excelled earlier while on loan with sides such as Kilmarnock, Crawley Town, and Aberdeen in the past, and losing a goalkeeper like him would hurt Newcastle in the long run.
Woodman’s return to the side would not guarantee him more first-team chances, with three senior keepers already ahead of him in the line. Restricting his game time would only shun his development.
Hence, a loan deal for the talented goalkeeper seems like the best option for Newcastle as it may help him be in shape for the Premier League when the time arrives.
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Verdict
Dubravka has been decent enough for Newcastle United this season and they have enough back-up in their side already. Hence, bringing back Woodman will only mean that he would get rare first-team opportunities. Another loan deal for the rising talent seems like the best option Newcastle have at the moment and they should consider it soon before its too late.