According to a report by the Daily Mail, Nick Pope is the subject of interest from Leeds United. The Whites are keen on reinforcing their goalkeeping department in the summer transfer window after Illan Meslier’s error-prone displays in the 2024/25 season. So, the Newcastle United shot-stopper has emerged as a target for the 2024/25 EFL Championship winners.
Nick Pope has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League for over half a decade. A native of Soham, the Englishman spent his formative years in his homeland, passing through the academies at Soham Town Rangers and Burwell Swallows before graduating from the youth division at Ipswich Town around 2008. However, he rose in prominence after joining Burnley in 2016.
Pope’s fruitful spell with Burnley ended in July 2022, with Newcastle United signing him for only £10 million. Since then, the 33-year-old goalkeeper has come leaps and bounds, although fitness issues have plagued him in the last two seasons.
The English international has turned out nearly 100 times thus far for Newcastle United while conceding 93 goals and keeping 35 clean sheets. However, Pope’s long-term future at St. James’ Park is uncertain, as he has entered the final 15 months of his contract. The situation has piqued the attention of a few clubs, including Leeds United.
Leeds United’s interest in Nick Pope is understandable. The Whites are scouring the market for a goalkeeper heading into the summer transfer window after Illan Meslier’s error-prone displays between the sticks in the 2024/25 season. So, the 2024/25 EFL Championship winners want to upgrade their goalkeeping unit this summer.
Widespread reports linked Leeds United with Caoimhin Kelleher, who will join Brentford soon. So, Pope has emerged as a viable alternative, with the West Yorkshire keen on signing a top-class goalkeeper to avoid going down to the EFL Championship.
Recent reports have claimed that Newcastle United will not stand in Pope’s way in the summer transfer window if they receive sufficient bids. With the Tyneside outfit keen on signing James Trafford, Pope is expendable at St. James’ Park. So, it will be interesting to see if the 33-year-old English international joins Leeds United in the coming weeks.
