OPINION
Being at Newcastle United over the past couple of years must have been hugely frustrating for young goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.
The 22-year-old has been left treading water, stuck in footballing purgatory because he is viewed as being too important to let go but not quite good enough to play regularly for the Magpies.
The Chronicle reported on Tuesday that the club have failed to find an agreement with him in contract talks and that he is now entering the final 12 months of his current deal.
Their report states that manager Rafael Benitez rates the young shot-stopper, who has been looked at by Arsenal and Liverpool, highly, but that they risk losing him if they don’t grant him a loan spell somewhere next season.
That’s really the key and is where Newcastle need to get out of their own way, put their pride to one side, and give the young man what he wants. Woodman needs to be playing regularly if he is to develop into the top class ‘keeper we all know he can be, Benitez must be aware of that. So it’s imperative that he spends time away from St James’ Park next term.
Martin Dubravka is an excellent goalkeeper, there’s no doubt about that, but Woodman is the future. The Slovakian is 30 years of age, why would you not prioritise the youngster’s development while the team has a top class ‘keeper in his prime?
Otherwise Woodman will be off for nothing in a year’s time. He’ll certainly have plenty of options, there’s no doubt about that. Benitez must sanction a Championship or League One loan for him this summer.