Leeds United are eyeing a new goalkeeper this summer, with Newcastle United’s Nick Pope emerging as one option.
The likes of Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff could join Leeds from Newcastle but Nick Pope is the latest player who could also make a summer move.
Pope has emerged as a top target for Leeds after missing out on Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher to Brentford. Both are among the nine goalkeepers linked to Leeds already.
Selling Pope could open up doors for Newcastle to bring in an alternative. The 33-year-old could be replaced by long-term target and England teammate, James Trafford.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Leeds weigh up options amid interest in Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope
He could and should be affordable and available, given Pope is into the last 12 months of his Newcastle deal. However, reports from Lee Ryder of The Chronicle in recent days have outlined that he is not particularly interested in leaving.
Ryder states Pope is ready to put up a fight for his starting berth at Newcastle and that he is not actively seeking a move away from the club.
In spite of that, Leeds United News sources have revealed to us that Pope’s entourage have held initial talks with Leeds in recent days.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
In light of all the latest surrounding Pope’s future, we spoke exclusively to our transfer expert Graeme Bailey for his verdict on the situation and what Leeds are looking for from their goalkeeper signing for 2025/26.
He said: “It’s going to be up to Newcastle. They don’t fully know what’s going on with him yet.
“Does he really want to fight for his place when they sign a new keeper, which they are 90% likely to do?
“Pope, he’s on a very good contract there and age is not on his side. It depends where Leeds want to go with it as well.
“Do they go experience or young? I think they are assessing all options. He’s a very solid option.
“Clearly he’s going to be on the radar, but I don’t think they have 100% decided which way they’re going to go just yet.”
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Key statistic outlines why Leeds United should make Pope their top priority
Newcastle fans want James Trafford by selling Pope, and it could even end up being a situation where the club are open to a low offer in order to bring someone else in.
The 33-year-old is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League in recent years, having become somewhat of a Premier League survival specialist.
His former teammates hold him in high regard, with ex-Leeds man Charlie Taylor full of huge praise for Pope for their time together at Burnley.
Leeds would be getting a 6’6″ stopper who can command his box and make spectacular saves consistently, even if he lacks some assuredness with the ball at his feet.
One of the best measures of a goalkeeper’s dependability is their post-shot expected goals number. Per FBref, Pope has a +10.8 Premier League record from seven seasons worth of data.
That is the sort of reliability Leeds need to save them points over the course of a season. Pope could be an excellent short-term answer for them as they look to establish and consolidate their Premier League status.