The summer transfer window may be some time away, but Leeds United are already being linked with potential targets, with reports from The Sun claiming that the Whites want Freddie Woodman.
Woodman is an interesting target for Leeds. Obviously, Illan Meslier looks to be the undisputed number one for as long as he is at Elland Road. Meanwhile, Joel Robles is a very capable understudy. And Kristoffer Klaesson is a talented youngster.
So it would be intriguing to know what role Woodman would possibly have. Of course, it would be smart to have an idea of who could succeed Meslier for when the time comes when the 23-year-old moves on.
Leeds eyeing Woodman
Woodman does not have much experience in the top-flight. But he is someone who has something of a place in Leeds folklore for one particular reason.
Let me set the scene.
It is the 12th July 2020. Leeds are playing their 43rd game of the Championship season. And their opponents are play-off chasing Swansea City.
A win would take the Whites to the brink of getting across the line. Marcelo Bielsa’s side would need just four points from their final three games to guarantee automatic-promotion back to the Premier League after 16 years.
However, as the full-time whistle loomed, the game is goalless. And it appears that the Whites are going to leave the door open for both West Brom and Brentford.
But then Leeds are able to break. The move starts with Kalvin Phillips passing the ball across his own penalty area. Suddenly, Luke Ayling is bursting down the right wing, as if he knows he has one final pitch-length sprint left in him.
And it is the right-back who gets to the byline, hooking the ball back into the box.
Swansea manage to get a small deflection on the cross. But that doesn’t stop the pass. Suddenly, the ball comes for Pablo Hernandez. And Pablo Hernandez…scores a goal for Leeds United.
For many, that was the goal that virtually took Leeds to the line. And the goalkeeper beaten for that particular goal was, indeed, Woodman.
It had to be the most precise finish from El Mago, with the strike going in off the post, with Woodman able to cover almost all of the bottom corner.
Of course, Woodman’s ability is the most important factor behind whether the club go on and sign him.
And have we used the links as an opportunity to relive one of the greatest moments we have had in recent years? Yes, absolutely.
But oddly, there would be something quite special about signing the goalkeeper who was beaten for that goal.
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