Newcastle made a mistake by blocking Woodman’s loan exit

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Newcastle United have one of the most talented young goalkeepers in the country in Freddie Woodman.

But they are holding back his development after refusing to let him leave on loan this summer.

The biggest hurdle for young goalkeepers is making the step up from youth level to the senior team.

Because there is only one position up for grabs and because it is so highly competitive, very few progress straight into a Premier League side’s first-team.

These youngsters are better off learning their trade during a loan spell away from their parent club.

But Newcastle blocked Woodman’s loan exit, despite his personal request and despite receiving six offers for him.

This was a bizarre decision. Martin Dubravka is the established number one but the Magpies also have Rob Elliot and Karl Darlow as back-up options.

Woodman is arguably fourth in line and he is wasting his time playing youth team football.

The 21-year-old is at a vital stage in his development. Having impressed on loan at Kilmarnock and Aberdeen recently, he needed another spell to prove why he can compete for the first-team.

Instead, he is down the pecking order at St James’ Park. And with his contract situation looking precarious, the England under-21 goalkeeper might leave permanently to seek opportunities elsewhere.

Woodman’s current deal expires in 2020 and not allowing him to leave on loan means Newcastle risk losing one of the country’s top prospects on the cheap.