Manchester United eyeing 28-year-old EFL Championship star on a free transfer

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 4:45 AM ET

Manchester United are eyeing Freddie Woodman on a Bosman deal

Manchester United are bracing for a pivotal summer transfer window, with sweeping changes expected across the squad. After a turbulent campaign, the pressure is mounting to restore the club’s competitive edge, and one of the biggest question marks surrounds goalkeeper Andre Onana. The Cameroonian has made a string of high-profile errors this season, directly contributing to several damaging defeats and sparking serious concerns among fans and pundits alike.

Sources suggest that United are actively scouting potential replacements, targeting a dependable shot-stopper capable of withstanding the unforgiving demands of Premier League football. But it won’t stop there. With Ruben Amorim at the helm, the Red Devils are also preparing for a broader tactical overhaul, one that will involve key signings, player exits, and a renewed focus on consistency and composure. As expectations rise, this summer could define the next chapter at Old Trafford.

Manchester United are looking to buy Freddie Woodman for free

Manchester United are reportedly lining up a surprise move in the summer transfer window, with Preston North End’s Freddie Woodman emerging as a target. According to Football Insider, the 28-year-old goalkeeper is being eyed for a free transfer, as his contract with Preston expires in June. While unexpected, the move makes strategic sense—United view Woodman as a suitable replacement for veteran Tom Heaton, who is set to depart at the end of the season.

The former England Under-21 international is no stranger to the Premier League spotlight, having come through the ranks at Newcastle United. His steady displays in the Championship have not gone unnoticed, and United see him as an ideal third-choice keeper who brings both experience and reliability to the squad.

Woodman has quietly impressed in the Championship this season, conceding 40 goals and keeping 13 clean sheets in 37 appearances for Preston North End. That equates to one goal conceded every 83 minutes, with a goals-conceded-per-90 rate of 1.08. He’s made 87 saves from 131 shots faced, boasting a respectable save percentage of 66.41%.

Beyond his numbers, Woodman’s addition would help Manchester United satisfy their homegrown player quota, a smart and strategic move for long-term squad balance. While he isn’t expected to displace Andre Onana as first-choice keeper, his reliability makes him a solid and practical backup. For a club undergoing a rebuild under Ruben Amorim, signing Woodman on a free represents a low-risk, high-utility move.

Having previously endured a challenging stint at Newcastle, a return to the Premier League could mark a turning point in Woodman’s career. And for United, it’s a quietly shrewd deal that fits into a broader plan to reshape and stabilize the squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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