Newcastle’s young goalkeeper Freddie Woodman has admitted that he will be looking for a new challenge next season after his heroics helped England win the U-20 World Cup.
The 20-year-old shone in the final, most notably denying Venezuela and Watford midfielder Adalberto Penaranda from the penalty spot with a smart save, which helped the young Lions on their way to a 1-0 victory.
The young shot stopper demonstrated his talents throughout the tournament, playing all but one of England’s games, and was rewarded with the golden glove, an award given to the best goalkeeper during the competition.
Following the end of the World Cup, Woodman says he will be turning his attentions to next season, admitting he will be setting himself ambitious targets as he prepares to return to training with Newcastle.
He told the Sun on their website: “”I’ve still got such a long way to go and have lots of goals I want to achieve and I’m going to have to work hard to get them.
“I’ll sit down with my dad again and set some new targets for next season and get back to doing my job.”
Woodman spent the second half of last season on loan at Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock, where he impressed during his 14 appearances.
However, the U-20 world cup winner will face a fight to break into the first team at St James’ Park next season, with boss Rafael Benitez having no less than five goalkeepers at his disposal.
Woodman is joined by international stoppers Tim Krul, Rob Elliot and Matz Sels, who have played for Holland, the Republic of Ireland and Belgium U-21s respectively, as well as Karl Darlow in the battle to be the man between the posts.
It is widely expected that at least one goalkeeper will be allowed to leave the Magpies this summer, while it may be that Woodman is sent out on loan once again to continue his development.