Nick Pope's Newcastle situation no secret as first summer signing 'close'

Nick Pope would be lucky to remain Newcastle United number one after the upcoming transfer window.

The England international lost his place in the starting lineup in the 2025-26 campaign after making some high-profile errors in between the sticks.

Aaron Ramsdale pipped the 34-year-old in the pecking order for a few months, but the shot-stopper has returned to Southampton after the Magpies opted against triggering the buy option in his loan deal.

Ross Wilson seems to have several transfer priorities on his agenda at the Tyneside outfit, and one of them may be finding a suitable replacement for Pope.

While Stade Reims goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen looks to be on his way to St James' Park, it would be surprising to see the 20-year-old French youngster be a regular starter in NE1 anytime soon.

Newcastle United have goalkeeper plan as Ewen Jaouen talks continue

Newcastle are poised to make Jaouen their first summer signing as negotiations with Reims progress.

According to The Athletic journalist Chris Waugh, while the Magpies are yet to reach an agreement for the France Under-21 international, they are confident of getting a deal over the line, possibly by the end of the week.

It has been claimed that apart from Jaouen, at least one more shot-stopper is expected to join the Tyneside outfit for the 2026-27 campaign.

The young goalkeeper has showcased his talent in the second tier of French football but lacks any top-flight experience.

Nick Pope days numbered as Eddie Howe has clear transfer priority

Sources told Football Insider in April that Eddie Howe's future at Newcastle was uncertain going into the final stretch of the season.

It looks like the Magpies are set to stick with the English manager for now, but he will surely want to see significant investment in his squad over the summer.

Finding a new quality goalkeeper should be on top of the Tyneside outfit's agenda if they want to get back into Champions League contention next season and it's no secret that Pope doesn't seem to have a future as the first choice in his position.

PIF's recruitment strategy over the previous two transfer windows has been underwhelming, and while Howe needs to take some responsibility for the recent poor form, he must be adequately supported in the coming months.