Leeds have been linked with a summer move for Preston North End goalkeeper Freddie Woodman
Preston boss Ryan Lowe has outlined exactly why his goalkeeper Freddie Woodman would be perfect for Leeds United. Woodman has been touted as a potential target for the Whites this summer, especially if Leeds’ current number one Illan Meslier moves on.
A graduate of Newcastle United’s academy, Woodman joined Preston last summer and made an instant impact, keeping 17 clean sheets in 46 league games on his way to being named the club’s Player of the Year, and attracting interest from Leeds and Scottish giants Rangers. Lowe regularly praised Woodman last season, not only for the number of clean sheets he kept but also for the saves he made and his bravery and determination to play on even after picking up knocks.
Speaking after a 2-0 home win against Cardiff in March, Lowe said: “Freddie made some fantastic saves and that’s 16 clean sheets for him now, which is brilliant. He’s got a gashed eye and had three or four stitches at half-time, but there was no way we were going to get him off the pitch.
“He was on the front foot, throwing the ball out quickly and that’s what we want – for the tempo to be high and for us to be creating chances.”
Those qualities will serve Woodman well should he end up at Elland Road, although much will depend on Meslier’s future with the Frenchman having been linked with clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United, and Spurs this summer. Woodman made just nine senior appearances for Newcastle and was sent out on loan a number of times to clubs including Crawley Town, Kilmarnock, Aberdeen, Swansea City, and Bournemouth.
