Preston North End are delighted to confirm goalkeeper Freddie Woodman has joined the club from Newcastle United for an undisclosed fee.
The 25-year-old has put pen to paper on a three-year deal, meaning he will stay at Deepdale until at least 2025.
Former England U21 international Woodman has experience playing for the Magpies in the Premier League, while he’s also enjoyed two full seasons in the Championship with Swansea City.
Speaking after joining PNE, Freddie said: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s been a while trying to get this over the line, but I’m delighted to be here and I feel very honoured to be joining such a fantastic football club and a football club that’s going in the right direction.
“I spoke to the manager, not that he had to sell the football club to me, but the way that he works, he’s very passionate and he spoke very highly of the club.
“Obviously I knew Marshy [Mike Marsh] coming here. He played a big part in me picking Preston over other clubs that I had offers from.
“But also myself, I’ve played against Preston and I’ve never had an easy day at Deepdale, and I want to come here and give these fans something that they deserve.”
The goalkeeper started the opening four fixtures of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign for Newcastle United, and went on to spend the second half of the season with AFC Bournemouth who gained promotion.
Previous to that, the former Crystal Palace man spent two years on loan with Swansea City, working under PNE first team coach Mike Marsh and playing a key part in the Swans reaching the Play-Off final during the 2020/21 campaign.
Woodman is also well decorated at international youth level, having won both the U17 European Championship and the U20 World Cup.
Manager Ryan Lowe added: “We were aware Freddie wanted a new challenge and I’m really pleased we’ve got it done.
"We've beaten off some competition for Freddie as he's seen what we're trying to build here at Preston North End.
“We feel he’s going to be one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship.
“His attributes are playing out from the back and his goal saving of course, so he’ll be a top player for us and we’re really excited to start working with him.
“Marshy’s [Mike Marsh] worked with him before with England and with Swansea for two seasons, so when he’s telling you to sign him it becomes a no brainer.”