Newcastle United’s decision to sign Nick Pope for £10m was bemusing as Eddie Howe had Martin Dubravka as his first choice between the sticks this season, but Noel Whelan believes the 30-year-old will wear the proverbial No.1 jersey.
Pope made 155 appearances in all competitions for Burnley before making the switch to St James’ Park, conceding 186 goals with 53 clean sheets, so he brings a lot of experience to the squad.
Whelan doesn’t believe Newcastle signed Pope to sit him on the bench, telling Football Insider: “I expect him to be number one, absolutely. It’s a great price for a fantastic player. He’s got international recognition and loads of Premier League experience.
“I think that’s a really good buy by Newcastle. He gives them that challenge to Dubravka that he needs. I think he will be number one, I don’t think he would have gone to Newcastle to sit on the bench.”
Pope was a regular for the Clarets, so he surely wouldn’t have joined Newcastle without assurances over playing time. Dubravka turns 34 in January and is in the eve of his career, so it makes sense to upgrade in his position.
Whelan believes Howe will relish the competition. Having two players battling for one spot should bring out the best of each other and keep their performance levels high. He added: “That competition is open now, two fantastic goalkeepers vying for that one spot to start the season.
“Generally, when you have two players like that pushing each other it brings the best out of them. They’re going into the right sector of players who are going to make Newcastle progress towards their long-term goals. I think they are signing the right players to do that.”
Pope’s arrival is likely to lead to casualties, however. Freddie Woodman has already left to join Preston North End on a permanent deal and Karl Darlow could be on his way out of Newcastle too. He won’t be No.2 now Pope has joined, so his only hope is to get playing time elsewhere.
In other news, Samuel Edozie’s Leverkusen move boosts Newcastle’s hopes of signing Moussy Diaby
