Following an inconsistent campaign, Nick Pope could find himself replaced at Newcastle United with the Magpies reportedly racing to sign a goalkeeper worth £29m this summer.
Newcastle battling to sign Pope upgrade
Since returning from injury, there’s been a number of question marks over whether Pope should still be Newcastle’s No 1. The England international has had several troubles with the ball at his feet for some time, and as those at St James’ Park look to make a swift return to the Champions League, they could seek an instant upgrade this summer.
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On that front, the main name mentioned across the last few months has been James Trafford. The Burnley shot-stopper has been excellent in the Championship this season and is undoubtedly a player who should be playing in the Premier League. Having reportedly had personal terms in place for some time with Newcastle, he could finally complete his move to Tyneside this summer.
That said, Burnley’s potential promotion back to the Premier League could yet throw a spanner in the works – potentially forcing the Magpies to turn towards Serie A and another emerging star.
According to CaughtOffside, Newcastle are now racing to sign Mile Svilar from AS Roma, who has recently stalled contract talks at the Italian club amid interest from St James’ Park, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Whilst his current deal doesn’t expire until 2027, Roma have been keen to tie their goalkeeper down to fresh terms in what has proven to be more difficult than perhaps expected. Reportedly valued at €35m (£29m) if he does depart this summer, Newcastle could swoop in and sign the Italians’ contract rebel.
Given that Svilar is just 25 years old, Eddie Howe would be getting a shot-stopper at the peak of his powers and an instant upgrade on current No 1 Pope this summer.
"Revelation" Svilar is one to watch
Although his career hasn’t always taken the linear path towards success, Svilar is the undisputed starter in Rome these days and could yet have the most important decision of his career to make when the summer arrives. It’s then that Newcastle could welcome an upgrade on Pope and their new No 1 for years to come at St James’ Park.
Starts
29
18
Clean Sheets
11
4
Save percentage
77.2%
68.7%
Pass completion
79.6%
70.6%
The numbers don’t lie and represent exactly how Svilar could improve Howe’s side, combining his shot-stopping talent with his composed ball-playing ability. Dubbed a “revelation” by analyst Ben Mattinson last season, that verdict remains true even now a year on.
When the summer arrives, Newcastle should make their move as soon as they can in an attempt to beat Manchester City to Svilar’s signature. He ticks every box for what Howe needs. The Roma star is still in his prime, has no troubles on the shot-stopping front and has that key modern-day ability on the ball that Pope arguably lacks.
Whether the Magpies can lure Svilar into a move over the likes of Manchester City remains to be seen, however.
