Newcastle United is exploring potential solutions following the unfortunate shoulder injury to goalkeeper Nick Pope, which is expected to keep him out of action for a significant period. As the club anxiously awaits the results of scans on Pope’s shoulder, a four-month absence is anticipated, prompting Newcastle to consider reinforcements in the goalkeeping department.
Pope, who played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s recent 1-0 triumph over Manchester United, suffered a recurrence of a dislocated shoulder issue that had previously sidelined him for over five months while at Burnley. The current prognosis suggests that an operation may be necessary, further extending Pope’s time on the sidelines.
The injury comes as a major setback for Newcastle and manager Eddie Howe, with Pope’s absence potentially lasting until the end of the season. Since his £10 million move from Burnley in June 2022, Pope has been a linchpin in Newcastle’s success.
The club is now faced with the challenge of finding a suitable replacement, and one name that has emerged in discussions is former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea. The Spanish shot-stopper, a free agent since leaving Old Trafford in the summer after 12 years, presents an attractive option due to his experience, immediate availability, and the absence of a transfer fee.
However, Newcastle’s wage structure may pose a hurdle, as De Gea was on a substantial £375,000-per-week during his tenure at Manchester United. Negotiations would likely require him to accept a lower wage to align with Newcastle’s financial considerations.
In Pope’s absence during the recent clash against Manchester United, former Newcastle No.1 Martin Dubravka stepped in, helping secure the 1-0 victory. Loris Karius, who faced Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final last season, and Mark Gillespie are also part of the goalkeeping roster at Newcastle, though Gillespie has yet to feature in a league game since his return to the club in 2020.
As Newcastle navigates this goalkeeping crisis, the next 48 hours will be crucial in determining the severity of Pope’s injury and the potential course of action. Fans are anxiously awaiting updates on whether the club will make a decisive move for David de Gea or explore other options to shore up their goalkeeping ranks in Pope’s absence.