Ipswich Town have made contact to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope, and their chances of getting a deal done have now been revealed.
Pope remained Newcastle’s first choice between the sticks for the majority of the 2025-26 campaign, but he was benched on occasion, with Aaron Ramsdale also being given the nod by manager Eddie Howe.
That is despite the 34-year-old receiving plaudits from Bukayo Saka back in September, with the winger saying: “In the past, we’ve come here and had decisions to go against us and whatnot, and almost today, with the penalty and some of the decisions, and Nick Pope having an unbelievable game.”
Having used both goalkeepers interchangeably last season, Howe has wasted no time when it comes to bringing in a new option, with the Magpies wrapping up a deal for Ewen Jaouen earlier this month.
Logically, that could mean Newcastle will look to offload one goalkeeper this summer, and the Tractor Boys surged into the race for Pope near the beginning of June, joining Premier League rivals Leeds United in the race for his signature.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
After missing the opening nine Championship games last season, Christian Walton went on to become Ipswich’s first choice goalkeeper en-route to promotion. However, the 30-year-old’s Premier League experience is very limited, which means a replacement may be necessary this summer. Moreover, fellow goalkeeper Arijanet Muric has now completed a permanent move to Sassuolo. |
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Finances |
Newcastle are said to be holding out for a high asking price, which could pose a problem for Ipswich. With just one year remaining on the Englishman’s £60,000-a-week contract at St. James’ Park, it would make little sense to break the bank. |
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Insight |
That said, unlike Walton, the 34-year-old is tried and tested at Premier League level, making 248 appearances in the Premier League, during which time he’s kept 82 clean sheets. The Soham-born shot-stopper also has ten caps to his name for England. |
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Impact |
Having been dropped in favour of Ramsdale at times last season, a move to Portman Road could be a solid choice for Pope, who will no doubt be looking to receive regular first-team football. Newcastle can afford to cash-in following Jaouen’s arrival, and the former Burnley man’s vast experience could make him the ideal option for Ipswich. |
Ipswich make approach to sign Nick Pope
According to a report from Football Insider, Ipswich have approached Newcastle to register their interest in signing Pope, and the Magpies are now prepared to cash-in this summer.
However, while it is unclear exactly what sort of fee Newcastle are looking to receive, there is a feeling the asking price could be a “stumbling block” for the Tractor Boys.
Consequently, as things stand, it appears as though Gary O’Neil’s side could struggle to get a deal over the line.
Christian Walton deserves chance in the Premier League
Walton put pen to paper on a new contract earlier this year, extending his stay at Portman Road until the summer of 2028, off the back of his impressive performances in the Championship.
Despite being absent for the opening nine games of the campaign, the former Brighton man went on to amass 16 clean sheets, the second-highest number in the second tier behind Coventry City’s Carl Rushworth.
As such, the Cornwall-born goalkeeper could be ready for another crack at the Premier League, and it may not be a major blow if Ipswich miss out on Pope, despite the Newcastle goalkeeper’s vast experience in the top flight.
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