Liverpool`s recent acquisition of goalkeeper Freddie Woodman marks the culmination of a chase that has spanned a full decade.
The Merseyside club officially announced the free transfer arrival of the 28-year-old stopper following his departure from Preston North End.
Woodman`s signing will provide depth for Arne Slot`s goalkeeping options, particularly after Caoimhín Kelleher`s move to Brentford.
He will now be competing for a place alongside established keepers like Alisson Becker and the incoming Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Liverpool has been aware of Woodman`s abilities for a considerable time, despite the majority of his career being spent in the English Football League (EFL).
He developed within the youth system at Newcastle United and gained valuable experience through loan spells at clubs such as Swansea City and Kilmarnock before making a permanent switch to Preston`s Deepdale stadium.
Liverpool`s interest in Woodman reportedly predates his senior debut for Newcastle. At that time, they were said to be vying with Crystal Palace and Southampton for his signature.
Crystal Palace held a slight advantage in the race, as Woodman`s father, Andy, was a coach at the South London club. Freddie Woodman also spent over ten years in Palace`s youth setup before his move north in 2013.
Andy Woodman, who currently manages Bromley, shares a close friendship with Sir Gareth Southgate and served as his best man.
Freddie Woodman has also accumulated significant international experience throughout his career, representing England at every youth level from Under-16s to Under-21s.
He remained with Newcastle until his permanent transfer to Preston in 2022.
During his three seasons as Preston`s primary goalkeeper, he was a standout performer, earning the Player of the Year award in his first season. His former manager at Preston, Ryan Lowe, even suggested Woodman was worth a substantial £20 MILLION amid interest from Rangers.
Liverpool was not the only club interested in Woodman this summer. Manchester United was also reportedly considering a move but ultimately decided to offer a contract extension to veteran keeper Tom Heaton.
While Woodman might be considered Liverpool`s third-choice keeper, his role is nonetheless crucial. As an English player, he qualifies as homegrown, which is vital for squad registration requirements in competitions like the Champions League.
UEFA regulations permit clubs to register a maximum of 17 non-homegrown players in their squad. Liverpool, following the recent summer arrivals of Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong, are currently at this limit.
Last season, Woodman`s performances for Preston were significant. He played a key part in their Championship survival, keeping 12 clean sheets in 37 appearances as the club finished just one point clear of the relegation zone.
