German giants Bayern Munich have been linked with a shock move for a Newcastle United goalkeeper.
Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope has been linked with a shock free transfer switch to one of the biggest clubs in European football.
The former Burnley star became a key part of the Magpies setup after moving to Tyneside during the summer of 2022 and helped Eddie Howe’s side lift the Carabao Cup and qualify for the Champions League on two separate occasions over the following seasons. However, the signings of Lukas Hornicek and Ewen Jaouen during the summer transfer window have left Pope watching on from the sidelines with four unused substitute appearances representing the closest he has come to competitive action under Matthias Jaissle. The United head coach discussed a possible departure for the England international last month and described Pope as ‘dealing with the situation’.
Nick Pope of Newcastle United arrives ahead of the pre-season friendly match between Gateshead and Newcastle United at Gateshead International Stadium on July 25, 2026 in Gateshead, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)placeholder image
Nick Pope of Newcastle United arrives ahead of the pre-season friendly match between Gateshead and Newcastle United at Gateshead International Stadium on July 25, 2026 in Gateshead, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Speaking ahead of the draw with Bournemouth just after the summer transfer window closed, Jaissle said of Pope: “There are a couple of countries where there are still options that players can move to [where their transfer windows haven’t closed yet]. I had a clear conversation with Nick a couple of weeks ago about his position here at the club and to make a move elsewhere, that is not only a club decision, it is also a decision of the players, Also the agent. There are many parts involved usually in deals and so we will see. But for now Nick is a member of the squad and I really appreciate him and what he did for the club already, how he is dealing with the situation right now.”
Pope remained part of the Newcastle squad when the summer transfer window came to a close despite being linked with a number of clubs in recent months and is now approaching the final six months of his current contract. He can discuss a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of England in January before making a free transfer switch next summer - and a Champions League club is said to be considering making such a move as they prepare for the retirement of a club icon.
Sky Germany have claimed Pope has ‘emerged as an option’ for Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich as they prepare for Manuel Neuer’s retirement next summer. Current backup stopper Jonas Urbig is set to step into the Germany legend’s place at the end of the campaign - but further competition is being targeted and Pope is one name under consideration. The report claims Bayern have also been linked with the likes of FC Koln’s Marvin Schwäbe, Hoffenheim star Oliver Baumann (TSG Hoffenheim) and Finn Dahmen of Augsburg in recent months, and Fulham stopper Bernd Leno is also said to have been mentioned as a possible target. The same report also named the likes of Monaco stopper Lukas Hradecky, Paris FC’s Kevin Trapp and Sporting CP star Rui Silva as ‘potential targets’.
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