Newcastle ‘set sights’ on goalkeeper sensation amid Nick Pope concerns
Newcastle are looking towards a long-term replacement for Nick Pope as he struggles for form right now following another mistake against Marseille.
Nick Pope has been a safe pair of hands for Newcastle over the last few seasons that they have risen to compete at the top of the Premier League under Eddie Howe.
Newcastle fans have been critical of Pope’s performances so far in this campaign, though, and his mistake against Marseille on Tuesday (25 November) has only increased the furore around him right now.
Pope allowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to steal past him after he had rushed out of his goal just seconds into the second-half, and the former Arsenal striker finished smartly to level it at 1-1 as the French side eventually went on to win 2-1.
Aaron Ramsdale is Howe’s back-up keeper for this season, but the Magpies are seemingly scouting for beyond next May as they scout an upcoming shot-stopper.
Newcastle among Premier League clubs watching Guillaume Restes
According to a new report from The i, their sources have indicated that they are one of the Premier League clubs who have scouted Toulouse’s France under-21 international keeper Guillaume Restes this season.
Howe had been planning to retain Pope as number one in the summer, while James Trafford was lined up as his long-term successor, but he opted to join Man City instead and so their plans are unclear as it stands.
20-year-old Restes is already into his third season as Toulouse’s number one keeper, and he has kept four clean sheets and conceded 17 goals in 13 league appearances this season.
Howe must give Ramsdale a chance amid Pope’s poor form
Newcastle’s patchy form will be a real concern for Howe, and the performances of his main goalkeeper have to improve immediately for the team to rise up the Premier League table.
Pope’s mistake against Marseille was not his first this season, after he allowed Lucas Paqueta’s shot to squeeze in against West Ham, was beaten in the air twice for two Brentford goals and also allowed Gabriel to score late on for Arsenal at St James’ Park as he failed to claim a high cross.
Ramsdale is surely the ideal replacement for the 33-year-old right now, as he has impressed in his cup outings this season, is younger so could be a more long-term fix, and has the accolades to back up his quality after previously being named in the PFA Team of the Year.
Howe needs to make a change in goal as Newcastle aim to string a run of wins together, and that has to start this coming weekend when they travel to Everton.