Exclusive: Huddersfield in advanced talks for new signing, at training ground today

Huddersfield Town are in advanced talks to capture former Sunderland and Stoke wing-back Lynden Gooch on a free transfer, according to Football Insider sources.

The 29-year-old was at Huddersfield’s training base today to discuss a move to the League One club.
Gooch is now a free agent after his contract with Stoke expired earlier this summer.

Huddersfield overhauling Lee Grant’s squad

Lee Grant took charge at Kirklees Stadium at the end of May, and the Terriers wasted no time in bringing in many new faces through the transfer window.

Ryan Ledson has signed after a seven-year spell with Preston, while Marcus Harness has joined from Ipswich, where his new manager was a coach before moving to the League One club.

Meanwhile, Huddersfield fended off Championship competition to capture Joe Low from Wycombe Wanderers.

And, given Grant’s playing background as a goalkeeper, Owen Goodman’s loan move from Crystal Palace came as no surprise.

The new acquisitions provide much-needed depth after ten players left this summer, including captain Jonathan Hogg.

Lynden Gooch adds much-needed experience

With so many players coming and going at Kirklees, Gooch’s prospective acquisition would provide Grant’s squad with not only depth but also variety.
The USA international is equally at ease playing left wing-back and left wing, giving his new manager the option of playing three or four at the back.

Interestingly, considering that Grant’s first assignment as a first-team coach is at Huddersfield, fans outside the club will have to wait and see what tactical setup the coach employs.

That feature may have influenced the approach for the former Sunderland player, as his adaptability may be beneficial to his new boss as he adjusts to life in management.

While Gooch is several years past his prime, the wing-back will offer Championship quality to a club that has struggled greatly in recent seasons.

Huddersfield finished 10th in League One next season, but will hope to return to England’s second division following their relegation in 2023/24.