Newcastle United’s new multi-billionaire owners are targeting 29-year-old English international Nick Pope as the first major signing to start their squad rebuild.
According to Caught Offside, Newcastle United are eyeing a move for Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope as their first statement signing under their new regime.
Following their spectacular takeover, believed to be in the region of £300 million backed by a Saudi Arabia-led consortium fronted by Amanda Staveley, Newcastle United’s new hierarchy cannot afford to waste any time with the club currently floundering in the relegation zone. And they have seemingly already drawn up a long list of January transfer targets.
With the club’s new ownership possessing an incredible amount of money, it is now understood that Newcastle will pump in large sums to reinstate their status in the Premier League. Despite the Magpies being linked with big name signings such as Philippe Coutinho and Aaron Ramsay, to many fans’ surprise, Burnley ace Nick Pope is high on the priority shortlist for the new board.
Pope has progressed leaps and bounds since Tom Heaton departed a few years ago. He stepped up to become an indispensable presence between the sticks and kept Burnley in innumerable games in very tough situations. He has kept an impressive 45 clean sheets for the Clarets in 124 appearances, winning their Player of the Year twice in the process. He had also been selected in the PFA Team of the Year in 2020.
The 29-year-old English international is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League and has established himself as a solid shot-stopper at Turf Moor. Pope still has two years left on his deal at Turf Moor, running out in June 2023, although Burnley have opened renewal talks with him. But there is a feeling that next year might be the best year for the Clarets to swoop in a big chunk of cash for their prized asset.
Interest from Tottenham, Newcastle United and Manchester United has prompted the Lancashire-based club into contemplating to sanction a move if their valuation in the region of £40 million is met. However, Pope’s form has dipped recently, and the likes of Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone and Aaron Ramsdale have overtaken him in the pecking order in the England national setup.
Newcastle currently have two very decent goalkeepers in Karl Darlow and Martin Dubravka. The Slovakian international has been the Magpies first-choice at his best and has recovered from lingering injuries. Darlow is not also a poor backup either and has been reliable. Moreover, they have a special talent in Freddie Woodman, who has made massive strides in the Championship.
Newcastle’s goalkeeping department is in good stead. So spending £40 million on a 29-year-old goalkeeper who is not necessarily world-class makes little sense, especially when there are gaping holes in outfield areas that need to be resolved first. Only time will tell whether this rumor has any substance or the one that quickly evaporates after catching the eyes.
