Liverpool have signed Freddie Woodman, who had been scouted by Manchester Unitedplaceholder image
Liverpool have signed Freddie Woodman, who had been scouted by Manchester United | Getty Images
Liverpool have signed a player who was on Manchester United’s transfer radar
Manchester United’s Premier League rivals Liverpool have announced they are ‘set to sign’ goalkeeper Freddie Woodman on a free transfer after the Red Devils opted against moving for the ex-Newcastle United man.
The 28-year-old was contracted by the Magpies for eight years but never found a consistent place in the starting XI as he had a number of loan spells away from the north east. He joined Preston North End permanently in 2022 but has not signed a new deal at Deepdale putting him on the free agent market.
It was previously reported the Red Devils were ‘keeping a keen eye’ on Woodman and that they had already scouted him ahead of a potential move this summer. Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Aynsley Pears was also named as a potential target ahead of the summer at the time.
Liverpool confirm deal in place for Freddie Woodman
A Liverpool club statement confirmed: “Liverpool are set to sign Freddie Woodman on a free transfer. The 28-year-old has agreed a contract with the Reds to bolster the goalkeeping ranks upon the expiry of his previous deal with Preston North End.
“A former England U21 international, Woodman made 138 appearances during his three-year spell at Deepdale, winning the club's Player of the Year award for 2022-23.
“The 'keeper has also previously represented a handful of other clubs in England and Scotland, including Newcastle United, Swansea City and Kilmarnock.
“Woodman will begin pre-season training with Arne Slot's squad when they reconvene at the AXA Training Centre next month.”
Why Man Utd opted against signing Freddie Woodman
However, United have opted to keep Heaton on board and confirmed his new contract on Friday. He has penned a one-year extension and as a United academy graduate he will help fill the club’s homegrown quota - something Woodman could also have done as he also has homegrown status.
Heaton said: "I am extremely proud to continue to represent Manchester United. As a group, we are all really excited for the season ahead.
“I am ready to support the team in every capacity as we prepare to get back to challenging for the biggest honours.”
With Woodman largely expected to fill a back-up role at Anfield, his move to Liverpool over United is not something Old Trafford bosses will lose much sleep over. Heaton returned to United in 2021 and next campaign will be the 20th of his professional career, allowing him to provide leadership and experience to the dressing room.
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