Newcastle reportedly blocked a potential loan move for young goalkeeper Freddie Woodman and he should use that as an opportunity to break into the Magpies first team.
Chief sports writer for the Chronicle, Lee Ryder claimed on his personal Twitter account the Rafa Benitez’s side did not approve the 20-year-old a temporary move away from St. James’ Park.
Freddie Woodman was not granted his loan move and remains with first team until January #nufc
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) August 31, 2017
Fleetwood trying to sign Freddie Woodman on loan #nufc #deadlineday
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) August 31, 2017
League Two side Wycombe Wanderers are also keen on taking Freddie Woodman on loan according to sources at Adams Park. #nufc ⏳#deadlineday
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) August 31, 2017
It is understood that lower league clubs Wycombe and Fleetwood were both interested on signing the shot stopper on deadline day, but the Premier League club refused to let him leave.
The in-demand goalie is one of the best upcoming talents at the North-East club and should be encouraged by the fact that he is staying for the meantime.
Woodman has the quality to force his way into the number one spot at Newcastle, with Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow the only between the sticks in his way.
The youngster may be at an early stage of his career, but is a highly-rated star that looks destined to be a Premier League goalkeeper and that could even be now.
He helped England’s Under-20s side win the World Cup in the summer and was one of the country’s outstanding players.
The goalkeeper has also been invited to train with Gareth Southgate’s senior England squad in the past week and everyone is well aware of his huge potential.
The Magpies decided to send Tim Krul out on loan to league rivals Brighton and the decision to keep the 20-year-old suggests he is ready to fight for the number on jersey.
Benitez was expected to sign a new goalkeeper during the summer and there are serious question marks over whether existing number one Elliot is good enough for the top flight.
Freddie Woodman is already a goalkeeper that is very comfortable in possession and is also a brilliant shot stopper.]
Some people could argue his lack of first-team experience could work against him and his brief spell with Kilmarnock in the Scottish top flight is the most under his belt.
However, you have to begin your career somewhere and if Woodman is good enough then he should play.
Benitez will have seen enough of the rising star in training to see his potential and could look to use him in cup competitions, but there is a case for suggesting he should get a chance in the Premier League.