Leeds United have been linked with a move for Newcastle United’s Nick Pope, who has been Eddie Howe’s first-choice since 2022.
The window is now open and Leeds United have been linked to a variety of players already, with Nick Pope the latest player who could also be in line for a summer switch.
He might be available, with Pope now entering the final 12 months of his Newcastle contract. It’s imperative Leeds sign a reliable and consistent goalkeeper this summer.
Illan Meslier is expected to be sold, while Karl Darlow has spent most of his career as an understudy. Leeds, therefore, need Premier League experience — which Pope has in spades.
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
Eddie Howe hopes to retain Nick Pope
Pope has emerged as a top target for Leeds after missing out on Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher to Brentford. Both players have been named among the nine goalkeepers linked to Leeds already.
With ex-Leeds man Charlie Taylor full of huge praise for Pope for their time together at Burnley, it’s clear to see why he is rated highly for clubs in a relegation battle.
We exclusively revealed the latest on Leeds’ stance on Newcastle’s goalkeeper yesterday, but there have been further developments since then, per Martin Hardy of The Times.
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He states that Newcastle are pushing to sign Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, with Howe wanting the 22-year-old to provide competition at the club for Pope.
The report states that their understanding is Howe is “eager to keep him at Newcastle”. There is a belief inside St James’ Park that they want Pope to stay, but be challenged by a top young goalkeeper.
The 33-year-old could be replaced by the long-term target and his England teammate as first-choice but Pope could stay to provide competition.
Howe’s wishes are perhaps slightly different to that of the fanbase, with Newcastle fans wanting Trafford by selling Pope this summer.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Nick Pope’s injury issues could be a red flag for Leeds
Pope has played 221 Premier League games over the last eight seasons, with his availability being particularly excellent in the first six of those.
However, he has missed portions of the last two years with injury issues. That could be a big concern for Leeds and is perhaps why Newcastle are keen to retain him but as a second-choice.
A knee issue kept him out of action for part of this season and he has broken a bone in his hand before as well. The most concerning issue is regarding dislocated shoulder issues.
They are more likely to reoccur than impact issues like broken bones, with Pope starting in 43 of the last 76 Premier League games due to the recent concerns.
At his best, he is the perfect goalkeeper for a team looking to survive. However, the risk element is what Leeds need to consider carefully for someone who turns 34 next season.