Newcastle United Opinion: Magpies should move for Nick Pope in the summer
According to a previous report from Daily Mail last month, Newcastle United were keeping close tabs on Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope, with Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City also interested in snapping up the out-of-favour shot-stopper.
Pope was one of the architects of Burnley’s successful season in the Premier League last term which saw the Clarets finish 7th, playing a key role with his heroics between the sticks.
However, he dislocated his shoulder in the Europa League qualifiers at the start of the ongoing season and has barely featured for the Clarets since returning from injury, with Sean Dyche preferring the likes of Joe Hart and Tom Heaton between the sticks.
Pope earned his first England cap last summer prior to the World Cup and his lack of regular minutes is not going to do his career any good. The 26-year-old has featured only thrice for Burnley in all competitions this season and a move away from Turf Moor might help him resurrect his career.
To put things into perspective, Newcastle can pull off a masterstroke by beating off competition from their Premier League rivals to sign the highly-rated shot-stopper in the summer.
The Magpies face a risk of losing their No.1 goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, with Arsenal and Juventus interested in signing the Slovakian international. (h/t Chronicle Live). Another report from the same source claims that Freddie Woodman has been lined up by Everton while Rob Elliot could also be sold in the summer.
Taking the situation into account, Rafael Benitez might have to dip into the transfer window in the summer for a new goalkeeper and Pope certainly fits the bill.
The 26-year-old recorded 114 saves in the Premier League last season, 69 of which came from inside the penalty area, including 5 from within the six-yard box.
Pope’s calibre as a bona-fide shot-stopper can’t be highlighted merely by figures. The Englishman boasts of solid well-rounded attributes as a goalkeeper, excelling with his razor-sharp reflexes and ability to anticipate shots from close range.
Noted for his high levels of concentration and ability to keep out shots from all ranges, Pope is also very good with his handling from crosses and set-pieces. Regarded as a brave goalkeeper, he is never afraid to come off his line to clear the danger.
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Newcastle have endured a patchy campaign in the Premier League this term but they should aim for better things next season.
Given that the Magpies have often shown the inclination to sit back deep inside their own half, having Pope as a reliable presence between the sticks can help the team improve massively. Hence, they should go all out in their pursuit of the once-capped English international in the summer.
