Nick Pope is so happy at Newcastle United that he could see himself hanging up his gloves when his time at the club comes to an end, whenever that may be.
Pope, who joined Newcastle United in the summer of 2022 from Burnley, has kept his place in Eddie Howe’s first-team so far this season.
Clearly, the Newcastle United manager trusts his goalkeeper.
Indeed, Aaron Ramsdale arrived at St James’ Park over the course of a dramatic summer transfer window but has not managed a competitive start yet.
Newcastle also tried to sign James Trafford before they landed on Ramsdale, which perhaps indicated Howe was looking for a goalkeeper better at using his feet.
For all the quality Pope brings between the posts, there have been long doubts about his ability on the ball.
Still, the 33-year-old remains Newcastle’s No.1 for now. In fact, the England international is so happy that he could see himself on Tyneside for the rest of his career.
Nick Pope during a friendly between Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Nick Pope open to staying at Newcastle United for his entire career
Leeds were linked with Pope during the summer, although he reportedly made the decision to stay and fight for his place on Tyneside.
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So far, the former Burnley stopper has been justified in that decision.
While Pope admits he knows a club as big as Newcastle will always be linked with new signings, he could see himself retiring as a Toon player.
Speaking to The Chronicle, Pope said: “There will always be goalkeepers linked with Newcastle, whoever it is, that is part of the game.
“You can only ever focus on yourself and what is best for yourself and the team at the time.
“It was always far from my thoughts to leave, but there was no doubt in my mind about playing for anyone but Newcastle United.
“I could quite easily finish my career with Newcastle, I don’t want to sound like an idiot but I feel like I am a really good goalkeeper and have played a lot of Premier League games.
“I know myself and I am looking forward to things now, we go into the Champions League again and that’s where I want to play.”
How long Nick Pope has left on his Newcastle United contract
Newcastle paid around £12million to sign Pope and he’s proven to be a brilliant addition.
He’s surely more than repaid his transfer fee with some brilliant saves during a successful few years for the club.
Newcastle United statistics Nick Pope
Games 98
Clean sheets 37
Goals conceded 96
Nick Pope’s stats for Newcastle United
Yes, there have been frustrations about his ability on the ball at times but the positives more than outweigh the negatives.
Pope, who has kept 37 clean sheets in 98 games for the club, will be out of contract in the summer of 2026 so would surely need to sign at least one more new contract if he’s to stay until he retires.