Leeds United have been linked with a move to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope this summer, one of multiple ‘experienced’ Premier League players speculated as Elland Road targets.
The six sides that have been relegated from the Premier League in the past two seasons have provided an intriguing case study for the 49ers in what not to do upon promotion from the Championship.
One issue that these clubs failed to solve was how they managed games with the right amount of experience to match the growing strength of those top flight mainstays in 17th and above.
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Leeds United linked with move to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope
Arguably top priority this summer for Leeds is signing a new goalkeeper, having seen Daniel Farke forced to axe Illan Meslier in April due to a string of significant errors and dropped points, ultimately taking the decision at the perfect time with Karl Darlow easing the nerves in the goalmouth during Leeds’ final seven league games.
(REUTERS/Scott Heppell)
The Daily Mail report at the start of June that Leeds are eyeing a move to sign Nick Pope from Newcastle United as their solution to the goalkeeper position.
Pope may only be allowed to leave St James’ Park once the Magpies bring in their new starting goalkeeper, well-documented in their interest to sign Burnley’s James Trafford.
The 33-year-old has managed 221 Premier League appearances to date, keeping 75 clean sheets in that time.
“Outstanding” – Jeff Stelling and Gabby Agbonlahor discuss Leeds United’s interest in Nick Pope
As news filters into online discussions, talkSPORT Breakfast (2/6) duo Jeff Stelling and Gabby Agbonlahor are left impressed by Leeds’ efforts to strengthen in goal with a proven Premier League transfer target.
“What do you think of that news I read out a moment ago that Leeds United are chasing Nick Pope to be in goal for them next season?” Stelling asked.
“Where are Newcastle going to go then?” Agbonlahor responded. “Who have Newcastle got their eyes on? Because, yes he’s not the best with his feet in playing out from the back, but shot-stopping he’s up there as the top three or four ‘keepers in the Premier League?
“It’s got to be a great effort to get past Pope, but Leeds have to make a decision, Meslier is not going to be number two even, it looks like, so it’s a statement signing for them for sure, but I’m just thinking ‘what have Newcastle got lined up?’
“Pope, outstanding ‘keeper, I’m sure Leeds would love to sign him, but if I’m Newcastle I’m not letting that one (go).”
Overall, Pope interest feeds into a wider narrative around several Elland Road transfer links at the moment, plenty that would fall into the ‘experienced Premier League player’ bracket, to which the pair continued:
“It’s interesting in the approach that Leeds are taking isn’t it?” Stelling replied, as Agbonlahor noted the “experience” of players being linked with the club.
“Big turnaround of players at Elland Road and they’re going to look at experience.”
Nick Pope is the perfect Leeds United transfer solution this summer
Agbonlahor hits the nail on the head here with what Leeds require this summer, and what they’d be getting from Pope himself.
He’s not great at all with his feet, but our goalkeeper shouldn’t have to be a fluid passer of the ball, but a shot-stopper that can keep Leeds in games.
Darlow’s form was proof of what us Leeds fans craved during the run-in, needing a safe pair of hands to claim crosses, actually save shots, and play it safe during buildup.
If Leeds add a focal-point number nine that can feed off scraps better than Joel Piroe can usually, you can allow your ‘keeper to play long and into the channels, so distribution doesn’t become a weakness.
Pope looks a superb option for Leeds.