Newcastle United loaned Freddie Woodman to Bournemouth at the start of the year, and they reportedly want him back.
That’s according to the Northern Echo, who claim Scott Parker’s side are ready to launch a bid for the Under-20 World Cup winner.
There’s going to be a huge turnover of players at Newcastle this summer. And Woodman is one of multiple Magpies who will be allowed to leave St James’ Park.
He was once tipped to be a future Toon number one, but a wild 12 months with the club suggests that maybe his future lies elsewhere.
A strange start to the season for Freddie Woodman at Newcastle
Freddie Woodman started the season as Newcastle’s stand-in number one, but ended it celebrating promotion with Bournemouth.
It’s been a rollercoaster campaign for the Magpies, and the same can be said about Woodman on a personal level.
The goalkeeper was on the brink of joining Bournemouth this summer, with a loan deal to the Cherries agreed. He even underwent a medical ahead of a pre-season trip to Marbella.
But then Newcastle pulled the plug, and Woodman was thrust from third choice stopper to the Magpies’ only hope.
Martin Dubravka was injured and Karl Darlow was suffering with COVID, meaning Woodman was getting the Premier League chance he craved.
The 25-year-old started Newcastle’s first four games, but didn’t have a great time. He conceded 12 goals, including two from the returning Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford.
Woodman didn’t play well, but he wasn’t helped by the Newcastle defence either. An inexperienced keeper and a wobbly defence was a dangerous combination, and it saw Woodman dropped as soon as Darlow was fit.
Woodman barely played for Bournemouth
Injury then saw Woodman out of the Newcastle squad completely, before he eventually got another chance to join Bournemouth in January.
However, it hasn’t been straightforward for him on the south coast.
He’s continued to act as a backup option, with Parker opting to start Mark Travers instead. Woodman made just one appearance for the Cherries, starting in the FA Cup defeat to Boreham Wood.
While he’s spent his time on the bench, Bournemouth still want him back. The Northern Echo claim he could join them permanently this summer. Woodman has reportedly impressed ex-Toon captain Parker, who has guided his team back to the Premier League.
A move back would probably suit all parties. While he once had great potential, it feels like the ‘Woodman future Newcastle number one’ ship has sailed.
He needs a fresh chance elsewhere, and a transfer to Bournemouth will make him more likely to become a Premier League number one.
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