Ibrox View: 23y/o talent could be ideal man to replace Rangers big name
RANGERS OPINION
At some point in the relatively near future, Rangers are going to need a new goalkeeper.
As discussed recently by Ibrox News, veteran stopper Allan McGregor isn’t getting any younger, and at 38, is only likely to have another season or two left in him at best.
And that means that a replacement must be found sooner rather than later.
One name that could be on Steven Gerrard’s short list is that of Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.
The 23-year-old is named by the Daily Record as a potential signing for the Gers this summer, with the article citing his previous experience playing in Scotland with Aberdeen and Kilmarnock, and the fact that his current contract on Tyneside only has a year left to run.
But would he be a good purchase for the Gers?
Firstly, there is the matter of cost.
The Record believe that Woodman would cost around £2.5 million, and at that price, he would be more than affordable.
When you then factor in his age and his potential resale value further down the line, that price looks more than reasonable.
Secondly, has his form been good enough to justify a move to Ibrox?
Woodman has spent this season out on loan at Swansea City, and for the most part has impressed.
So far this term he has averaged 2.7. saves per game from an averaged of 3.83 shots, with a reflex save rate of 55.1%, as per Wyscout.
As a point of reference, McGregor has made 2.07 saves per game this term, with a reflex save rate of 55.7%.
The fact that there is such a small gap between the two is testament to Woodman’s talent as a keeper, and if this is a deal that the Gers decide to pursue, they could do a whole lot worse than the Englishman.
In other Rangers news, Italian giants plot summer raid for Ibrox talent facing uncertain future.