A roundup of the top news stories from the goalkeeping world between the 12th and 19th of January.
Goalkeeper wins 2024 US Soccer Female Player of the Year
Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who retired from the U.S. national team late last year after winning a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, has been named the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year.
Naeher is just the second goalkeeper to win the annual award after Hope Solo in 2009. It’s a fantastic achievement which has been met with a lot of praise online. Naeher was also honoured as the FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year during 2024. It’s safe to say 2024 was a great year for the American.
RC Lens close to signing former Brighton goalkeeper
RC Lens of Ligue 1 are currently looking for a new goalkeeper due to an injury to Denis Petric. Former Brighton and Arsenal man Maty Ryan seems to be top of their target list as they close in on a deal for his signature. Ryan joined Roma in 2024 and he is still waiting for his debut for the Italian club, which seems unlikely to happen at this point. Due to Lens’ injuries and Ryan’s lack of game time, this looks like a good move which could be completed very soon.
Guardiola fumes in bizarre embrace with Stefan Ortega
Pep Guardiola raged at his German goalkeeper in a bizarre embrace after full-time at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium on Tuesday night. The Citizens blew a two-goal lead with only around ten minutes of time left, a moment which could be pivotal in their already lacklustre season.
Guardiola said after the game that he was not having a go at his goalkeeper, but that he was praising his actions during the game.
Burnley number one saves two penalties to secure clean sheet
England international James Trafford was the hero on Friday night at Turf Moor as he saved two spot kicks from Wilson Isidor in Burnley's 0-0 draw with Sunderland.
In the top of the Championship clash, two controversial penalties were awarded to the away side, first in the 86th minute. Wilson stepped up and fired hard and low towards Trafford's right but failed to put any real placement on the penalty. Trafford got a strong, albeit unconventional, wrist to the ball and parried away.
11 minutes later, Isidor placed the ball down on the spot and struck towards the same area - with Trafford extending slightly further this time to match him once again. The Englishman's animated tactics - including delaying the taking of both spot kicks - made headlines, with Trafford saying after the game: ‘The first one my laces were undone, the second one my hammy is crying’, speaking to Sky Sports.
Brentford to loan out goalkeeper before transfer deadline
Following a build up in the goalkeeper department, the Bees are reportedly ready to let one goalkeeper leave on loan before the transfer deadline on 3rd February.
Mark Flekken will remain Thomas Frank's first choice but Ellery Balcombe's loan recall from St Mirren has left the club with too many goalkeepers. Balcombe joins Hakon Valdimarsson - who made his Premier League debut away at Brighton and Hove Albion three weeks ago - and Matthew Cox under goalkeeper coach Manu Sotelo.
Any one of those three deputy goalkeepers will be allowed to explore loan moves. Beyond that, Brentford are not expected to be making any more signings or allowing any more outgoings.
