OPINION
Tottenham have found themselves well equipped in the goalkeeping department this season with three quality senior options – a position that they share with Premier League rivals Newcastle United.
The problem for Spurs is that 32-year-old Hugo Lloris will not be around forever, the Frenchman likely to find himself replaced by Paulo Gazzaniga when he departs, the former Southampton stopper five years younger than his counterpart between the sticks.
As for Michel Vorm, his future looks over in north London with journalist Alasdair Gold reporting on Football.London’s live question and answer (15:09) that the Dutchman is likely to leave at the end of his contract this summer.
With the veteran leaving, Gold states that Spurs will be looking to fill the void with an English shot stopper, youth prospect Alfie Whiteman the man currently in line to step up.
Really though Spurs cannot guarantee that the 20-year-old is going to make the grade and should be looking for someone who has proven himself at first team level – which is where Newcastle’s depth of shot stoppers comes into play.
Freddie Woodman is an undoubted future star at St James’ Park, having dazzled at every level of England’s youth system, winning the golden glove for best goalkeeper in England’s under-20 World Cup winning campaign.
Martin Dubravka sits ahead of him in the pecking order at St James’ Park and regular game time does not look like coming any time soon.
While he would not be guaranteed action at Spurs, the chance to play in the cup competitions, which Newcastle toss to the wayside anyway, would give him the experience he lusts for as he readies himself to become number one in north London.
Woodman is the perfect signing for Spurs when it comes to their long term goalkeeping aspirations and if they do not snap him up, someone else likely will if Newcastle do not start playing him.