Huddersfield Town have entered the race to sign Crystal Palace goalkeeper Owen Goodman.
Goodman, 21, has yet to make his debut for the FA Cup holders since joining the club in 2021, but had his most fruitful season in football so far as the first-choice goalkeeper for AFC Wimbledon in their League Two campaign that ended in a playoff final triumph. In 46 fourth-tier appearances, the former Colchester United loanee kept 21 clean sheets and saved 72% of all shots faced.
Terriers Enter Contest
As reported by Football League World, Town, now managed by former Derby County keeper Lee Grant, have entered a battle with fellow League One side Bolton Wanderers for Goodman. The Terriers seem to be in need of a new goalkeeper following a difficult season for former number one choice Lee Nicholls, who had to share keeping duties with Jacob Chapman.
With pathways into the first team at Palace blocked by England senior international Dean Henderson, Goodman may not get a chance for The Eagles in their senior squad, despite the expected departure of third-choice option Matt Turner. Remi Matthews, a former Bolton player, is the deputy to Henderson.
The Trotters’ need for a new first-choice has come from Nathan Baxter’s departure to Watford. However, the Wimbledon man is not Steven Schumacher’s only target in the position, as Football Insider reports that they are in advanced talks to securing a loan deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe, who won the League Two title with Doncaster Rovers.
Writers’ View
Huddersfield Town did not have a great season in defence, and it is understandable considering the errors made by both goalkeeping choices that they would look for an alternative this window. Owen Goodman was a standout for AFC Wimbledon in League Two, easily proving he can make the step up into the third tier. With Bolton and Huddersfield, he has a decent chance of joining a promotion-worthy side and making an immediate impact. With Bolton looking at another keeper in Teddy Sharman-Lowe and closing in on a deal according to Football Insider, Huddersfield may have the upper hand in this race.
