Why Newcastle United would benefit from signing Pau Lopez
According to Leggo (h/t Football.london), Newcastle United are interested in signing Spanish goalkeeper Pau Lopez from Serie A giants AS Roma.
The 25-year-old Lopez is a product of the Espanyol youth academy. After a loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur in 2016/17, he became a first-teamer at the Catalan outfit, before signing for Real Betis in 2018. He enjoyed a fine campaign at the club, prompting Roma to sign him last summer.
Since joining the Italian captital club, the Spanish custodian has been in good form playing 25 times this season in the Serie A. Thus, he has attracted interest from Newcastle United among other clubs. (h/t Football.london)
Do Newcastle United need Pau Lopez?
Newcastle will have money to spend this summer if the proposed takeover by Saudi company goes through. Given their current plight in the Premier League, they must invest in strengthening the squad across multiple positions.
On the surface, the goalkeeping department seems to be solid as Newcastle already have Martin Dubravka as the first-choice with Karl Darlow as backup. The club further has the experienced like of Rob Elliot, while Freddie Woodman would return from loan, after spending a decent season with Swansea City.
Dubravka has been in great form and is among the top clean sheet keepers in the league only behind Dean Henderson, Nick Pope, Ederson, Kasper Schmeichel and Alisson. But he could be left devoid of quality backup next season.
Elliot is out of contract later this month and is on his way out of the club. Even Darlow’s contract expires this summer, which would leave the Magpies thinly-stretched in the goalkeeping department. Furthermore, Woodman has stated that he wants to be playing Swansea next season as well.
Thus, they should make a move for Lopez. The Spaniard has been a regular at AS Roma both in the league as well as European competitions. In 34 matches in all competitions, he has kept 9 clean sheets. The 25-year-old has shown good qualities and has his prime years well ahead of him.
The arrival of a player like Lopez would only make Newcastle stronger and will pose for a tough competition for Dubravka, thereby improving the goalkeeping department.
Read More
- Why M’Baye Niang to Newcastle United would bolster their attack
- Why Florentino Luis would be a good addition for Newcastle United
Verdict
Newcastle could be reduced to bare bones in the goalkeeping department as Elliot and Darlow both near the end of their contracts. In addition, Woodman is intent on staying with Swansea for the next season as well.
Hence, adding someone of Lopez’s quality would be a great move by the club. The Spaniard’s arrival would bolster the depth in the Magpies goalkeeping department. His arrival would add healthy competition within the squad, which would boost the quality of the team.