Bad news for Nick Pope as Newcastle United are expected to sign ‘world class’ player

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Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope has enjoyed an incredibly strong 2025.

The 33-year-old has silenced his critics, playing a key role in Newcastle winning the Carabao Cup and qualifying for the Champions League.

Nick Pope has bounced back after his performances were questioned, proving once and for all why he really is Eddie Howe’s undisputed number one goalkeeper.

However, the goalkeeping landscape at St James’ Park is going to change.

Newcastle United want to sign a goalkeeper, and whoever arrives will likely be Pope’s long-term replacement.

• Who is Nick Pope? Get to know the Newcastle United No.1 goalkeeper

James Trafford to Newcastle United update as Leeds United eye Nick Pope

The leading candidate to arrive on Tyneside is Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.

Newcastle are expected to bid for Trafford, after almost signing him 12 months ago. However, that deal collapsed because of financial reasons.

Fast forward to the summer of 2025, and the Daily Mail report that Newcastle United are expected to sign Trafford from Burnley.

The report adds that if Trafford does join the Magpies as anticipated then Pope could be sold, with Leeds United interested in his signature.

Trafford would arrive on the back of the best season of his career, helping Burnley achieve promotion back to the Premier League. He kept 29 Championship clean sheets, with Trafford calling himself ‘world class’ in a recent interview.

He looks destined to go to the next level, but a move to Newcastle United could lead to Pope’s Toon career coming to an end.

Newcastle United to miss out on two goalkeepers

While Trafford has always been the Magpies’ top goalkeeper target, there are other options that have been linked with heading to Tyneside.

However, a couple of those options are on the brink of moves elsewhere.

• Every player linked with Newcastle in summer transfer window: Latest news and prices on Eddie Howe’s targets

Despite interest from Newcastle, Caoimhin Kelleher is going to join Brentford.

Over in Spain, Joan Garcia is on course to sign for Barcelona.

With targets moving elsewhere, it puts Newcastle under pressure to strike a deal for Trafford.

The 22-year-old will not be cheap, however, with Burnley expected to want £30million for Trafford.