By Dan Moffat with John Keogan
Newcastle suffered another devastating blow at home at the weekend, falling 3-2 to Everton and once again, scrutiny fell on goalkeeper Nick Pope.
The 33-year-old gifted Toffees striker Beto with a goal after spilling a long-range effort from Dwight McNeil.
After the game, NewcastleWorld asked Newcastle manager, Eddie Howe, if Pope had become a weak link, with Howe responding diplomatically that ‘it’s difficult to comment on any one player.’
Decisions, decisions, decisions
Since arriving in 2022, Pope has been a key figure of Newcastle’s resurgence under Howe, playing a major part in their recent success.
But while the English keeper has been a quality shot-stopper for the Magpies, often making fantastic reflex saves, there have been questions about his decision-making, positioning, and his tendency to make costly mistakes.
The red card he picked up at home to Liverpool in 2022/23 is perhaps the best example of this.
Just a week before the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United, Pope made the inexplicable decision to come charging out of his box as Mo Salah chased down a through ball, and proceeded to dive on the ball, handling it in the process, and earning himself a straight red card.
The dismissal meant Pope was suspended for the final against Man United, a game Newcastle lost 2-0.
There have been more mistakes this season, too. Pope’s gaffe against Everton was just the latest in a growing list of costly errors this season, with the keeper gifting goals to the opposition in defeats against Marseille, West Ham, and Brentford.
Recently, his shot-stopping has also deteriorated, and the statistics back it up.
After his debut season in the North East, Pope had a save percentage of 73.5% and goals against per 90 of 0.88.
Each season, this has got worse, and at present, the 33-year-old has a 69.1% save percentage and averages 1.46 goals against per game. Further evidence of the many mistakes made by the keeper so far this season alone.
An argument could be made that Pope has struggled to have a consistent back four in front of him this season.
However, players like Fabian Schar and Sven Botman have suffered injury setbacks several times now, and Malick Thiaw has been one of Newcastle’s best performers this season.
The (old) Trafford situation
It seems Howe also knew that if Newcastle were going to take the next step this season, they needed a new goalkeeper.
Rumours surrounding English goalkeeper James Trafford began in January last year, and it seemed he would be moving from Burnley to Newcastle.
Trafford was hugely important to ensure Burnley got promoted back to the Premier League, keeping 29 clean sheets in 45 Championship appearances.
The season prior, the 22-year-old struggled in the topflight, but showed resilience to prove his doubters wrong.
Newcastle looked to make a deal with Burnley after their relegation; however, they couldn’t agree on a fee, and Trafforf ultimately joined Manchester City.
One thing Trafford may not have expected was for City to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma later in the same window from PSG.
Trafford has been limited to 11 senior appearances this season, with five in the Carabao Cup, two in the FA Cup and three in the Premier League since the Italian keeper joined.
In hindsight, the saga has benefited neither party. Newcastle remain unsettled between the sticks, while Trafford is now a rotation option.
Newcastle went on to sign Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton, and while he’s made 15 appearances, he doesn’t seem to have gained the trust of Howe to make the no 1 spot his own.
Who comes next?
As Newcastle begin to plan their summer transfer window, a new goalkeeper is certain to be high on their wishlist.
A deal for Trafford could re-emerge, though some supporters may question a player who previously turned them down.
There have been rumours circulating about Brighton’s goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen.
When the 22-year-old moved to the South Coast in 2023, he struggled initially and saw much of the game time given to Jason Steele.
This season, the Dutch international has stepped into the role and claimed the No 1 position and is seen as one of the best young keepers in Europe for his shot-stopping and footwork.
Some of Europe’s top clubs, like Bayern Munich and Chelsea, have reportedly held interest, but a move to Newcastle may be a good decision to take that next step in his career.
According to Jeunes Footeux, Newcastle have held talks with Chelsea over Mike Penders, who will join the Blues this summer.
He signed for Chelsea in 2024 from Genk for €20 million, but has since been on loan back at the Belgian side, and this season at Strasbourg.
The Belgian has gained valuable experience during his time in France and is viewed as a high upside option, especially with many young players being limited with game time at Chelsea.
A defining period
With Pope ageing and showing signs of decline at the top level, it is time for Newcastle to make that statement that ushers in a new keeper as part of their ongoing project.
Pope was part of the first phase under the PIF ownership, which saw them qualify for the Champions League twice and win the Carabao Cup in 2025.
But projects evolve.
Newcastle will now be aiming for that next step, a club that qualifies for European competition every season.
A top-class keeper is a must-have for any club who are looking to build a team that controls games.
Trafford, Verbruggen, Penders, or someone else will have to take that step to be the Magpies’ new number one, and Howe will be hoping the right decision is taken to push Newcastle from a nearly team to a team that is constantly competing at the top.
