Newcastle United news: Major update on Nick Pope’s future as transfer plan revealed – Sources
Nick Pope will be restored as Newcastle United’s number-one goalkeeper when he returns from injury, sources have told Football Insider.
Pope, 31, has been sidelined with a dislocated shoulder since December and is reportedly aiming to return to fitness by the end of March.
He started the first 14 Premier League games as well as their first five Champions League group stage clashes this season before backup shot-stopper Martin Dubravka stepped in in his absence.
Sources have told Football Insider (13 March) that the Magpies are planning to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, but Pope’s position as their number-one is set to be safe.
Nick Pope position at Newcastle United safe
It is believed that the club want to buy a new backup goalkeeper to replace Dubravka rather than a replacement for Pope.
Newcastle currently have Pope, Dubravka, Loris Karius and Paul Gillespie as senior goalkeepers on their books.
However, well-placed sources revealed to Football Insider (12 March) that Karius, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is not set to land a new contract at the club.
Pope has excelled at St James’ Park since his reported £10million move from Burnley in the summer of 2022.
He proved vital for the Magpies achieving an unexpected qualification to the Champions League last season and has kept 26 clean sheets across 62 appearances in all competitions since his arrival.
Newcastle United sit 10th in the Premier League table after their 3-2 defeat against Chelsea on Monday night (11 March).
They are next set to face Man City in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Saturday evening (16 March).
In other news, Newcastle United make contract decision on first-team star after another extension agreed – sources.