Struggling Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman was all smiles on Wednesday.
Woodman is over in Saudi Arabia with his Newcastle teammates for a warm weather training camp.
The Magpies are locked in a Premier League relegation battle and it is thought that the break in Jeddah will help Eddie Howe’s side on their return to England.
Amanda Staveley, who fronted Saudi Public Investment Fund’s takeover at St James’s Park in October, joined United on their visit.
However, Mehrdad Ghodoussi has stayed in the North East to assist in transfer-related matters – and it’s possible that Woodman’s situation could be discussed.
Well, probable in fact.
The Chronicle reported earlier in January that the 24-year-old keeper was keen to leave Tyneside due to a ‘desperation’ to play regular football again.
Woodman is Newcastle’s third-choice stopper, behind Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow.
However, the Benton academy product, who helped Swansea City to a playoff final during a successful loan last season, showed no indication that he was unhappy with the Magpies.
Here’s what he tweeted out yesterday from Jeddah:
Whether it’s a loan or a permanent exit, Woodman should consider leaving.
As he proved last season, he’s an excellent young goalkeeper – too good to be sitting on the bench for the next six months.
Staying at Newcastle doesn’t benefit anyone in this scenario if Howe deems Dubravka and Darlow to be stronger goalkeepers right now.
By the same token, the St James’s Park faithful would hate to lose one of their own, but that looks an increasing possibility, despite his cheery disposition right now.
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