Premier League champions Liverpool have finalized a deal to sign goalkeeper Freddie Woodman on a free transfer from Preston North End. The 28-year-old goalkeeper, who made 22 appearances for the Championship club in the previous season, is nearing the end of his contract. Liverpool announced that Woodman will commence pre-season training with Arne Slot’s squad next month.
With Vitezslav Jaros and Harvey Davies both set to spend next season on loan, the Reds are looking to bolster their goalkeeping options with experienced support for Alisson Becker and newly acquired Giorgi Mamardashvili, whose transfer from Valencia is expected to be completed on July 1. The addition of Woodman follows the earlier sale of Caoimhin Kelleher to Brentford for a fee that could rise to £18 million.
Freddie Woodman, who was part of the England Under-20 team that won the World Cup in 2017, has previously played for notable clubs such as Newcastle United, Kilmarnock, and Swansea City. Importantly, Woodman qualifies as an ‘association trained’ player, meaning he will not occupy one of Liverpool’s 17 non-homegrown slots on the UEFA squad list, thereby enhancing the club’s roster flexibility.
In addition to his football accomplishments, Woodman has a family connection to the sport; his father Andrew manages Bromley in League Two, and his godfather is former England manager Gareth Southgate. This vitality in the Woodman family reflects a rich football heritage that could bring a unique perspective to Liverpool’s squad.
The signing of Woodman should provide Liverpool with additional security in their goalkeeping department, signaling the club’s intent to maintain a competitive edge in the Premier League as they prepare for another challenging season ahead.