Picture: United miss out as bitter rivals confirm the signing of 28-yo they were on the verge of landing

Liverpool have completed the signing of reported Manchester United goalkeeper target Freddie Woodman.

United’s goalkeeping department could be subjected to a radical overhaul this summer, amidst uncertainty over the futures of Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.

Onana and Bayindir were both unconvincing last season, making numerous high-profile mistakes that dearly cost United in games.

There is a general acceptance that neither of the two represents a solution between the sticks for United, and the club may ultimately have to dip into the market for alternatives. Onana continues to be linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League and AS Monaco, while a return to his native Turkey has been mooted for Bayindir.

Meanwhile, United are still believed to be keeping tabs on a number of shot-stoppers including Lucas Chevalier (Lille), Sanne Lammens (Royal Antwerp), Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton), John Victor (Botafogo) and Emi Martinez (Aston Villa), just to mention a few names.

Another who’s name had come up was Woodman.

A report covered by The Peoples Person in April relayed that United were keen on signing Preston North End star Freddie Woodman.

It was subsequently relayed that the Red Devils were close to completing a deal for the 28-year-old, who was tipped to replace Tom Heaton.

Updates on that front went quiet, and it appears this was because United opted to offer Heaton a new one-year contract. Earlier on Friday, the club confirmed that Heaton had signed fresh terms to extend his stay at Old Trafford.

However, Woodman has had no trouble securing a new club and has now joined United’s bitter rivals, Liverpool.

This has been confirmed by Liverpool, who have announced Woodman’s arrival on a free transfer.

The 28-year-old is expected to serve as third-choice behind Alisson and Giorgi Mamardashvili at Anfield. The Georgia international has officially joined the Reds from Valencia this summer, following an agreement that was reached last year.

🚨 Liverpool sign 28 year old goalkeeper Freddie Woodman on a free transfer from Preston North End.

Woodman will be 3rd GK behind Alisson and Mamardashvili. pic.twitter.com/BjsCb6Of5i

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 27, 2025

Liverpool sold Alisson’s long-term deputy, Caoimhin Kelleher, to Brentford in a deal worth up to £18 million. Meanwhile, Vitezslav Jaros and Harvey Davies have departed on loan to Ajax and Crawley Town respectively. Hungary under-21 goalkeeper Armin Pecsi has also arrived from Puskás Akadémia but is expected to feature primarily for the under-23s.

With Heaton’s new deal signed, United are unlikely to pursue another third-choice goalkeeper, making it entirely plausible that the club decided to end their interest in Woodman, allowing Liverpool to swoop in and snap him up.

Featured image Malcolm Couzens via Getty Images


Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social

Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!

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