Even though the transfer window has only just opened, it is just as busy as ever with signings taking place across all three divisions of the EFL. This comes as teams look to get prepared for their upcoming pre-season schedules and the 2025-26 season.
Often, when a player does well out on loan with one club, they either move into their parent club’s first team or go out on loan again to a higher division in order to develop their skills further.
Bolton Wanderers and Barnsley In The 2024/25 Campaign
Arguably, both Barnsley and Bolton Wanderers under delivered in their respective EFL League One campaigns finishing 8th and 12th in a season that saw highs and lows within both sides.
However, with the off-season in full swing, both sides will be looking at improving their squads with the eventual aim of reaching either the play-offs or even challenging for the automatic promotion spots next season.
Goodman Targeted By Both
According to Alan Nixon’s Patreon account, both clubs are looking to bring League Two’s goalkeeper of the season in. Goodman impressed many whilst at AFC Wimbledon in the 2024/25 campaign as Johnnie Jackson’s men battled through the play-offs to win promotion at Wembley to the English third tier.
However, it is not clear where Crystal Palace are looking to do with the 20 year old this summer following his impressive displays.
One thing is for sure and that is that a move up to EFL League One would be well deserved and any club that is able to secure Goodman’s signature, even if it is only on a loan basis, would be getting arguably one of the best goalkeepers in the lower leagues currently.
A Golden Goodman Display
During the 2024/25 campaign, Owen Goodman proved his worth with the campaign arguably the season where he was able to breakthrough into a team and show fans, pundits and other clubs the talents he possesses.
During Wimbledon’s promotion winning season, Goodman made 90 saves with a save percentage of 72% – the third most of any keeper in the division during the season. Furthermore, he was able to keep 21 clean sheets during the season which helped to make the Dons the best defence in the fourth tier and one of the best defences across the EFL.
As well as this, the Crystal Palace man was able to prevent 4.1 goals during the campaign which is the most of any keeper in the division. This stat would have also put him as the seventh best keeper in EFL League One based on goals prevented.
Areas For Improvement
Whilst Goodman was immaculate in many areas during the course of the 2024-25 season, there are also areas in which the 20 year old could improve.
The key highlighted area in this is his distribution. This comes as a result of the goalkeeper only having a passing accuracy of 48.4% whilst also having a long ball accuracy of 31.8%. These are statistics that could be key areas to improve if he is to join either Bolton or Barnsley.
What Do You Think?
With Goodman already an excellent goalkeeper, even at the young age of 21, is he ready to make the step up to EFL League One or do you see him in a different league next season? Let me know in the comments.
