Newcastle United welcomed Nick Pope back into the team against Nottingham Forest on 23 February, but since then the Magpies have conceded five goals in two games.
The England international has had a difficult season due to a knee injury, having been unavailable for 10 matches in all competitions.
Industry insider Mick Brown revealed to Football Insider that there is concern about Pope’s performances and the recovery from his recent injury, claiming the club will listen to offers for him in the summer transfer window.
The 32-year-old has only managed to keep three clean sheets this season, which is problematic for a team chasing Champions League football.
Only Aston Villa and Brighton have conceded more goals than the Magpies out of the current top 10 Premier League teams, making this an area of concern for Eddie Howe.
Mick Brown confirmed to Football Insider that Newcastle are actively pursuing a deal to sign Burnley’s James Trafford in a bid to solve their goalkeeping dilemma moving forward
Nick Pope still needs to improve with the ball at his feet
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson revealed he believes Pope’s a “good goalkeeper” and brings a “commanding” presence.
“Three clean sheets in 17 this season, [they] won’t be pleased with the way that his injury has hampered his performance,” Robinson told
They’ve been criticized for leaving out Martin Dubravka because of the way that he’s played this season.
“It shows you that Eddie Howe thinks that Nick Pope’s a better goalkeeper because as soon as he’s back match-fit he puts him in and I agree with that.
“He’s a good goalkeeper Nick Pope, I really do I think maybe [he’s] susceptible, lacks a little bit with his feet, with the ball at his feet.
“But commanding his box and shot-stopping, what would Newcastle have to spend to replace him?
With him playing this season and then playing again and getting a momentum going for next season, you have that conversation at this stage of next season.
“At the moment there’s absolutely no reason to change.”
Newcastle United fans have tired of Nick Pope
Robinson believes that Pope deserves one more season at St James’s Park, with a conversation about change happening during the 2025-26 campaign, but the Toon Army do not share that sentiment.
Supporters savaged Pope’s return performance against Forest due to his positioning for Callum Hudson-Odoi’s goal, with many believing it is time for him to move on from the club.
The experienced goalkeeper is under contract at Newcastle until 2026, meaning the upcoming summer transfer window would be their last chance to cash in on him.
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