Nick Pope is in a league of his own when it comes to Newcastle United goalkeepers.
Eddie Howe wanted to sign someone to challenge Nick Pope this summer, but that did not happen.
Instead, Newcastle signed John Ruddy, with the hope that the veteran stopper would not have to play. They also brought in Odysseas Vlachodimos, who has already been told he can leave St James’ Park. However, Vlachodimos has opted to stay at Newcastle for now.
That duo have joined Martin Dubravka and Mark Gillespie on Tyneside. However, none of them are serious competition for Nick Pope.
The England international is firmly established as the Magpies’ first choice, with Pope producing another spectacular performance against Wolves on Sunday. He is enjoying a really bright start to the season, having missed half of the previous campaign due to a shoulder injury.
Nick Pope linked with Everton transfer
But as Pope shines for Eddie Howe’s side, there has been speculation that the 32-year-old could potentially leave St James’ Park.
It was reported at the weekend that Everton want to sign Nick Pope in January, with the Toffees managed by Sean Dyche, who worked with the £10million man at Burnley.
However, the Chronicle have reported that Newcastle United ‘insiders’ have played down all speculation of Pope leaving at the start of 2025 to join Everton.
Why Newcastle are concerned about their goalkeeper situation
Newcastle United are not worried about losing Pope, but they are worried about who is going to replace him in the future.
That is according to the Chronicle, who state that Newcastle are concerned about not having a future number one in their ranks.
They tried to address that in the summer. Aaron Ramsdale and Giorgi Mamardashvili were targets, but Newcastle went on to change their approach and targeted James Trafford from Burnley.
Newcastle tried to sign James Trafford
That deal had looked extremely likely, until Vlachodimos arrived amid the PSR debacle.
Interest in Trafford remained, but a deal was not possible. Newcastle wanted Trafford on loan on deadline day, but that deal was dependent on a goalkeeper leaving St James’ Park.
That did not happen, which is why Trafford is still at Turf Moor.
But the 21-year-old is seen as someone who could replace Pope at Newcastle in the coming years, and it would not be a shock if he is a target once again in January or next summer.
And if Trafford does arrive, there will suddenly be less concern about not having Pope’s successor on the books. From that moment, it will be up to Trafford to prove he is as good as the Newcastle hierarchy think he is.
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