Liverpool`s acquisition of Freddie Woodman has been a process spanning ten years.
The Reds have confirmed the goalkeeper`s free transfer move after his departure from Preston North End.
The 28-year-old Woodman will add depth to Arne Slot`s goalkeeping options following Caoimhín Kelleher`s transfer to Brentford.
He will now compete for playing time with Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Despite primarily playing in the EFL throughout his career, Liverpool is well aware of Woodman`s abilities.
He progressed through the youth system at Newcastle United and had notable spells at clubs like Swansea City and Kilmarnock before joining Deepdale.
Liverpool was linked with signing Woodman even before he made his senior debut for the Magpies.
At that time, they were reportedly vying with Crystal Palace and Southampton for his signature.
Crystal Palace had an advantage in the pursuit because they had employed Woodman`s father, Andy, as a coach.
Woodman also spent over a decade in the South London club`s youth setup before moving north in 2013.
Andy, who currently manages Bromley, is a close friend of Sir Gareth Southgate and served as his best man at his wedding.
Woodman has also gained significant international experience during his career.
He was a regular fixture in the England youth national teams, featuring for every age level from U16 to U21.
However, he remained at St James` Park until his permanent transfer to Preston in 2022.
He spent three seasons as Preston`s primary goalkeeper and was named Player of the Year in his inaugural season.
Preston`s former manager, Ryan Lowe, even suggested the goalkeeper was worth £20 million amidst interest from Rangers at the time.
Liverpool was not the sole club interested in Woodman this summer.
Manchester United also reportedly showed interest but ultimately decided to offer a new contract to veteran Tom Heaton.
While Woodman might be considered the third-choice keeper at Anfield, he fulfills an important role.
As an Englishman, he qualifies as a homegrown player, which is crucial for the club`s participation in the Champions League.
UEFA regulations permit clubs to register a maximum of 17 non-homegrown players, and Slot`s squad is currently at this limit.
This is due to the recent summer signings of Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong.
Last season at Deepdale, Woodman was impressive, playing a key part in the club maintaining its Championship status.
He recorded 12 clean sheets in 37 appearances, with the club finishing just one point clear of the bottom three.
Marcus Bellamy