This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Huddersfield Town are set to win the race to sign Crystal Palace goalkeeper Owen Goodman.
FLW exclusively revealed last week that the Terriers were interested in signing one of AFC Wimbledon’s League Two promotion heroes from the 2024-25 season, Goodman, and according to The Athletic, the Terriers are close to agreeing a deal with the Eagles to bring the 21-year-old to the John Smith’s Stadium on a temporary basis, beating out Barnsley and Bolton Wanderers for his services.
Goodman spent the season on loan with AFC Wimbledon, helping them win promotion to the third division via the play-offs.
The goalkeeper participated in all 46 of their regular league encounters, conceding 35 goals and keeping 21 clean sheets, before registering three further shutouts against Notts County and Walsall after the regular season had ended.
Owen Goodman signing branded a coup for Huddersfield Town and Lee Grant
When asked about Goodman’s potential signing, FLW’s Huddersfield fan analyst Graeme Rayner said it would be a tremendous coup to get the deal done.
He is enthusiastic about the goalkeeper’s arrival, citing his impressive experience despite being only 21, and is pleased to have signed him ahead of their League One opponents, however he has questioned the future of the more experienced Lee Nicholls as a result of the transaction.
“If we get it, it’s definitely a coup,” Rayner told Football League World.
“He has a lot of experience, having had two loan spells in League Two in the past, and last season was obviously a very good season for him at Wimbledon.
“He played every league game, and they were promoted via the play-offs, so I think it has to be considered a successful season.
“He is certainly a good young goalie, and I believe it is an indication of intent.
“One thing that makes me wonder about Lee Nicholls’ future at the club; it signals that they’re searching for someone to replace him, because I wouldn’t expect him to bring in a loan goalie if Lee Nicholls was staying with the club permanently.
“However, this appears to be a really attractive possible loan.
“He’s only 21, which is extraordinarily young for a goalkeeper.
| Owen Goodman – AFC Wimbledon league goals conceded and appearances (per Fbref.com) | ||||
| Season | Appearances | Goals Conceded (Clean Sheets) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | 46 | 35 (21) | ||
“But, having represented England under-20s, he has already played 80-odd league games and made close to 100 club appearances at the age of 21, he is clearly highly experienced.
“So, very, very interesting, and the fact that we appear to be beating out Bolton and Barnsley for him on loan again demonstrates that we appear to be doing really well this window.”
“So, if we get him fantastic, really.”
Huddersfield have already signed four players this summer since appointing Lee Grant as manager, including Marcus Harness, Ryan Ledson, and Sean Roughan.
Owen Goodman signing would be incredibly promising for Huddersfield Town
Goodman coming in may be a pretty beneficial signing for Huddersfield, especially if Nicholls leaves the club, as Graeme has hinted to.
At 21, he is very potential, having already gained significant League Two experience at Colchester and AFC Wimbledon.
The jump up to League One may be difficult, but his performances last season indicate that he is more than capable.
That they beat Barnsley and Bolton to his signature bodes well for Grant’s vision, and as a former goalkeeper, he will be well-positioned to help develop Goodman into an even better player.
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