Liverpool Complete Surprise Fifth Summer Transfer with Acquisition of Gareth Southgate’s Godson

Liverpool have announced their fifth new signing of the transfer window, securing goalkeeper Freddie Woodman on a free transfer after his departure from Preston North End.

Woodman, aged 28, is notably the godson of former England manager Gareth Southgate, who recently received a knighthood. The goalkeeper has previous Premier League experience with Newcastle, where he made four appearances in the 2021-22 season, and has played for several clubs including Bournemouth, Swansea, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock, Crawley, and Hartlepool.

During his career, Woodman has represented England at six youth levels but has not yet been called up to the senior national team. His signing is expected to serve as an understudy behind first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker and Georgia international Giorgi Mamardashvili, the latter having joined Liverpool last year.

His status as a local-born player eligible under homegrown rules should support Liverpool’s squad registration for European competitions like the UEFA Champions League.

This addition follows a busy summer for the Reds, who already secured four players to bolster their squad that previously won the Premier League title. Earlier this month, Bayer Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong joined for a combined £146million. Additionally, Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez moved to Anfield for £40million, and 20-year-old goalkeeper Armin Pecsi was signed from Hungary’s Puskas Akademia.

Freddie Woodman has joined Liverpool on a free transfer after leaving Preston North End.

Woodman is the godson of Gareth Southgate, recently knighted as Sir Gareth Southgate.

Goalkeeper Woodman making a save during a match for Preston against Wycombe.