Liverpool are reportedly on the verge of securing a deal for a player who had also drawn interest from Manchester United.
The Premier League champions have already made major investments this summer, bringing in big-name signings like Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez. In addition, players such as Marc Guehi, Hugo Ekitike, Viktor Gyokeres, and Alexander Isak have all been linked with potential moves to Anfield.
However, in a surprising development on Friday evening, it emerged that Liverpool are close to finalizing another unexpected transfer.
According to The Times journalist Paul Joyce, Liverpool are set to sign goalkeeper Freddie Woodman on a free transfer from Preston North End. Joyce noted on social media that Woodman would serve as backup to Alisson and Giorgi Mamardashvili, with current squad members Jaros and Davies expected to go out on loan to Ajax and Crawley Town, respectively.
Importantly, Woodman qualifies as an Association Trained player, meaning he won’t occupy one of the club’s 17 non-homegrown slots on UEFA competition squad lists.
Before his move to Anfield materialized, Woodman had been linked with Manchester United. As reported by The Sun, the Red Devils were monitoring him as a potential third-choice goalkeeper, though they ultimately opted to extend Tom Heaton’s contract instead.
Their report highlighted Woodman’s value, noting his 13 clean sheets in 37 Championship games last season and describing him as one of the top free-agent keepers available this summer.
Shortly after, United confirmed that Heaton had agreed to a one-year contract extension, marking his 20th season as a professional since debuting for Swindon Town on loan from United back in 2005.
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