Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Sun 8 March 2026 10:50, UK

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Newcastle United will be in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer after deciding against signing Aaron Ramsdale permanently.

The former Arsenal goalkeeper is on a season-long loan from Southampton, with the Magpies holding an option to buy reportedly worth around £20million.

The 27-year-old has featured more regularly of late amid the poor form of usual number one Nick Pope.

The England international has allowed mistakes to seep into his game, with Eddie Howe electing to drop him to the bench after a particularly poor display against Everton last week.

Newcastle’s transfer chiefs are surveying the market for new goalkeepers to approach in the summer window as they look to find a new number one.

Newcastle United identify Nick Pope replacements

Newcastle have been linked to several goalkeepers over the past few years, with a long-term replacement for Pope in the plans for some time.

Ahead of the summer, Manchester City’s James Trafford, Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen and Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel have been identified as potential replacements.

The Athletic reports that all three goalkeepers have been tracked on a long-term basis, although it remains unclear who the favourite is.

Ex-Everton chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider this week that Verbruggen could cost up to £50m to sign from Brighton this summer.

The 23-year-old is rated highly in the Premier League, and could be the perfect goalkeeper to push Howe’s team forward.

Pope’s poor ability on the ball has often forced Newcastle to consistently go long, but Verbruggen is among the very best goalkeepers with the ball at his feet.

Similar praise can be given to Trafford and Kobel, yet the former may be signing that makes more sense than any other.

The 23-year-old was set to sign for Newcastle before Man City triggered their matching rights clause, completing a deal for the Englishman just weeks before they would sign Gianluigi Donnarumma.

What Eddie Howe said about Pope

Newcastle’s loss to Everton at St James’ Park ultimately came down to a game of goalkeepers.

Pope’s mistake, parrying Dwight McNeil’s shot back towards goal and failing to get up in time to prevent Beto scoring, was made all the worse by Jordan Pickford’s wonder save in the dying moments.

Howe will be well aware that a goalkeeper can be the difference, and his dropping of the 33-year-old spoke volumes.

“Nick’s had moments where he’s not been selected before,” he said when asked about his decision. “He’s a high-class person. He thinks of the team first.

“He’s part of our leadership group for a reason, because the lads see that he’s a team player fundamentally. He’s been excellent, I have to say. He’s been excellent.”