Nick Pope, Leeds
Credit: Imago
Evan Lloyd
Tue 8 July 2025 20:10, UK
Leeds United are in the market for a new number one this summer with Nick Pope under consideration.
Illan Meslier has fallen out of favour at Elland Road following several high-profile mistakes last season, and decision-makers are keen to leave Daniel Farke well-equipped for the Premier League.
The Championship winners have been linked to a number of goalkeepers, with Newcastle United’s Pope and Lyon’s Lucas Perri among those being pursued.
Leeds United Lucas Perri
Lyon’s Perri is also under consideration (Credit: Imago)
Nick Pope gives Leeds verdict
Pope has played a significant role in Newcastle’s success since his arrival from Burnley in 2022.
The goalkeeper was signed for around £10million and has made 95 appearances for the Magpies, keeping 35 clean sheets as Eddie Howe’s side have climbed up the Premier League table.
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But injury troubles have crept up on Pope over the last two seasons, with a shoulder injury in 2023, and a knee injury in 2024, both requiring extensive lay-offs.
Newcastle are seemingly preparing for the goalkeeper’s eventual departure, with talks ongoing over a move for another Burnley shot-stopper, James Trafford.
Nick Pope Premier League (2023-25)
Appearances 43
Matches missed via injury 27
Injuries have blighted Pope in recent seasons
Those discussions have allowed Leeds an opportunity to steal Pope away, but according to Keith Downie, the 33-year-old wants to stay in the North East.
And Newcastle want him to stay as well, but the pursuit of Trafford has raised questions about the goalkeeper’s future.
The 22-year-old’s arrival would surely see a reduction in Pope’s minutes, and could alter the chances of a transfer away in the later weeks of the window.
Pope move could be risky for Leeds
Pope would be a superb signing on paper for Leeds. Standing at 6ft5in, the Englishman is a dominant force inside the box and an outstanding shot-stopper.
But Farke’s side need a reliable presence in between the sticks at Elland Road.
Meslier, although promising upon his arrival in England, has become somewhat of a liability for the Whites.
With the summer’s new goalkeeper coming in to replace the Frenchman in the starting line-up, the new man will be expected to be available throughout the season.
Pope, while of top quality, has become prone to injury issues and signing the Englishman could, in a worst-case scenario, see Farke forced to resort back to Meslier following a long-term injury.
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