Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Thu 19 March 2026 9:00, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Newcastle United might be looking to sell Nick Pope in the summer amid new speculation they’re interested in signing RC Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser.

The 21-year-old goalkeeper has impressed in Ligue 1 and has kept 10 clean sheets to date in the division.

This has helped keep Lens in the title race, being just one point off Paris Saint-Germain, albeit the capital side has a game in hand.

However, this form has attracted Newcastle’s attention, with Sky Sports on 18 March reporting that contact has been made for Risser over a potential summer transfer.

If all goes through, Pope will surely soon depart Newcastle, as Eddie Howe looks to replace his number one.

Newcastle eye £34.6m deal for Robin Risser

The Sky Sports report explains that the fee for Risser could be between £26million and £34.6m if Lens are to part with their star keeper.

Initial contact has been made behind the scenes, with the PIF in discussion with the player’s representatives.

This comes amid heightened speculation about the future of Newcastle’s goalkeeping department, after deciding against signing Aaron Ramsdale permanently.

However, if Risser is brought in, it will surely also mean the end of Pope’s time at St James’ Park.

If the Magpies are set to spend over £30m on a new goalkeeper, the Lens star will surely become the number one.

As a result, Pope could push for a move away, and with the 33-year-old out of contract in 2027, it would make sense for all parties to move on.

How good is Risser?

With Football Insider exclusively revealing that Newcastle could lose £24m in prize money due to their poor performance this campaign, they may have to be careful with their budget in the summer transfer window.

According to Fotmob on 18 March, Risser has some excellent stats in Ligue 1.

The goalkeeper is averaging a save rate of 73.9 per cent and is only conceding 0.88 goals per 90 minutes.

On top of this, he is preventing 0.25 goals per game, and has a penalty save rate of 40 per cent.

Therefore, it is of little surprise that the goalkeeper has attracted such interest in recent weeks, especially if Lens go on to win the Ligue 1 title.

However, it remains to be seen if Newcastle are able to win the race for his signature and lock down the future of their goalkeeping department going forward.