Glasgow Rangers are eyeing up a move for Freddie Woodman during the summer transfer window as Michael Beale looks to find the solution to his goalkeeping dilemma.
What’s the latest on Freddie Woodman to Rangers?
According to the Scottish Sun, the Ibrox side are looking to secure a deal for Preston North End keeper Woodman and it could cost them a fee of £3.5m – with the English side willing to sell – as the 25-year-old still has two years left on his current contract.
The shot-stopper has already had previous spells north of the border, enjoying loan stints at Aberdeen and Kilmarnock during the early stages of his career, and this could stand him in good stead should he join the Gers.
Allan McGregor’s stay at the club looks to be coming to an end. His contract expires in the summer and the report claims that the veteran is expected to leave, which would result in Beale requiring a replacement.
Could Woodman replace Allan McGregor at Ibrox?
Having played nearly 500 games for the Light Blues, there is no doubt McGregor will go down in the annals of the club’s history as one of their finest goalkeepers. He was recently inducted into the Rangers Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy.
The previous 18 months, however, have been far from easy, with the keeper committing major errors against Ross County and Hearts last season, along with the fact he has conceded 37 goals in 26 matches this term, proving a replacement is required.
Woodman certainly fits the bill. His spells as mentioned above in Scotland a few years ago will give him a rough idea of what he is up against and with the Englishman yet to enter his peak years at 25, arguably, it could be money well spent by Beale.
In the Championship this season, Woodman has been in stunning form. He has kept 14 clean sheets from 34 games, made 2.7 saves per game while succeeding with 100% of his attempted runouts per game, and has even been included in the team of the week four times for his performances.
The 25-year-old has won the U20 World Cup with England along with the U17 European Championship and although he has yet to make his senior bow, a move to Rangers could potentially help, giving him regular experience in European and top-flight football.
Russell Martin praised him earlier this term following Preston’s win over Swansea City, saying: “Their keeper Freddie Woodman has had a brilliant game in the end, and that says a lot.
“Particularly in the second half he made some great saves, and nine times out of 10 we’d have got a result after that performance.”
The 6 foot 2 titan is clearly excelling in the Championship and perhaps a move to Rangers would allow him to develop further as a keeper, especially with the pressure of having to win every week, and his statistics suggest that the gem could be a fantastic replacement for McGregor if the veteran does depart.
Beale must act swiftly in order to secure a deal for Woodman because if he keeps up these excellent performances, there will be plenty of other interested parties come the end of the season.
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