Freddie Woodman is a big asset for Newcastle, and Rafa Benitez must handle him carefully.
Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman is impressing out on loan already at Aberdeen after moving in January.
Woodman has a big reputation after starring for England’s under-20s this summer as they won the World Cup in their age group.
The young goalkeeper has not had a chance at first team level for Newcastle, and his loan spell is a bridge to eventually getting a Premier League opportunity if he continues to develop.
But comments from Woodman last week mean Newcastle could have a challenge on their hands keeping him happy if he feels he is not progressing.
Woodman told the Evening Express: “I’ve been trying to push to play for quite a long time and I’m quite an impatient person.
“I want to play football matches because that’s when I’m at my happiest. Hopefully if I can do well here and go back to Newcastle, I’ll see what’s in store for me there.”
Newcastle’s goalkeeping situation has been in flux all season, with Rafa Benitez not happy with last season’s regular Karl Darlow at Premier League level.
Martin Dubravka has been brought in on loan and Newcastle are expected to try and sign him permanently, but Benitez has a juggling act to try and keep Woodman happy too.
Newcastle can probably keep Woodman happy for another season by sending him on loan, perhaps to an English side, and he will feel he is making progress.
But if his goal of becoming Newcastle regular gets no nearer, then it would not be a surprise to see Woodman push to leave, and at some point Benitez will have to make the choice to play him or risk losing a goalkeeper with the potential to be a star for the next decade.
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