Throughout an eventful 24/25 season within the EFL, there has been a large amount of loans from Championship and Premier League sides to lower League sides, some of which have not worked out, but join me as I explore five goalkeepers that have been successful on loan within the previous EFL season.
Owen Goodman – Wimbledon was on loan from Crystal Palace
A perfect example of a successful loan goalkeeper, a brick wall to Wimbledon’s defence, is Owen Goodman, who was on loan from Crystal Palace. Goodman, throughout the 24/25 season, was ranked 1st for clean sheets amongst other goalkeepers in League Two with 24 clean sheets following the conclusion of the season. The Palace Loanees 72% save percentage from 131 shots he has faced during the season, combined with Goodman’s decreased pressure on his defensive teammates with 326 accurate long balls. Overall, has supported the Dons massively in gaining important points, which has led to them successfully earning promotion to League One through the playoffs.
Josh Keeley – Leyton Orient was on loan from Tottenham Hotspur
Our second addition of successful loan goalkeepers in the EFL this season, and a rock in The O’S defence, is Josh Keeley, who was on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. The 22-year-old during the previous season kept 16 clean sheets and ranked 5th compared to other goalkeepers in League One following the end of the 24/25 season. The Spurs loanees 75.4% save percentage from the 140 shots he faced during the full season, added to his 202 accurate long balls, gave relief to Orient’s defence throughout the season. This led to the League One side making the playoffs, but unfortunately missing out on promotion to the Championship after narrowly losing 1-0 to Charlton at Wembley.
Teddy Sharman-Lowe – Doncaster Rovers was on loan from Chelsea
Teddy Sharman-Lowe is a third of the successful loan goalkeepers. Sharman-Lowe was on loan from Chelsea. The Blues loanee in the past season kept 13 clean sheets and ranked 9th amongst fellow goalkeepers within League Two. The 22-year-old has acted as a sweeper keeper 40 times last season, as well as this he played 286 accurate long balls, which is a 38.3% long ball accuracy. These stats combined gave the Doncaster defence reassurance at the back, and calmness; additionally, it contributed to The Rovers securing automatic promotion to League One before the final game of the season.
Joe Whitworth – Exeter City was on loan from Crystal Palace
The penultimate goalkeeper on loan who had a successful season within the EFL and has been rigid at the back is Joe Whitworth, who was on loan at Exeter from Crystal Palace. Whitworth, throughout the 24/25 season, was ranked 6th amongst other goalkeepers within League One with 16 clean sheets after the 24/25 season. Whitworth’s 67.3% save percentage from the 200 shots he had faced, plus his 346 accurate long balls gained, Exeter vital points throughout the season in order to finish 16th and avoid relegation to League Two. This means Exeter will have another chance in League One in the 25/26 season.
Tommy Simkin – Walsall was on loan from Stoke City
The final goalkeeper on loan, who had a successful season in League Two and has been firm in Walsall’s defence, is Tommy Simkin, who was on loan at Walsall from Stoke City. Simkin, during the 24/25 season, was ranked 6th in the clean sheet table with 15 clean sheets. The Stoke Loanees 60.2% save percentage from the 116 shots he had faced, as well as 289 accurate long balls, which is a 34% long ball accuracy, minimised damage and prevented Walsall from falling out of the playoffs. So Simkin’s reassurance at the back boosted The Saddlers to a playoff final, but they unfortunately missed out to now League One side AFC Wimbledon.
What do you think?
Did these goalkeepers impress you throughout the 24/25 season? Let us know in the comments below if you have any other suggestions!
