Newcastle’s goalkeeping choices could force them into making a signing.
Nick Pope is set for an extended period on the sidelines after suffering an injury in Newcastle’s win on Saturday night.
Pope appeared to have a recurrence of the same dislocated shoulder injury he sustained while at Burnley in the late stages of the 1-0 victory against Manchester United at the weekend.
The England international was out for five months between July 2018 and January 2019 in that time and there are fears it could be a similar timeframe.
He’s sent to undergo scans on the injury but according to the Daily Mail, an operation is the most likely outcome but there is some optimism he may be able to play some part before the end of the season.
His injury is the latest addition to Newcastle’s lengthy list of absentees and leaves them with Martin Dubravka and Loris Karius as his other two goalkeeping alternatives.
After the match, Eddie Howe said: “It’s a massive blow for us if Nick is going to be out for any length of time.
“It’s usually the way, it looks innocuous but they also look the most serious at times.
“He looked in distress there. I think he’s dislocated his shoulder just diving. The arm kept going and looks like we could lose him.”
Nick Pope looks in serious pain 🤕🏥
Newcastle have yet another injury 🤯 pic.twitter.com/9UbzM9apt2
— LiveScore (@livescore) December 2, 2023
David De Gea is a ready-made replacement for Pope.
With Pope potentially out for as long as he could be, Newcastle could be forced to dip into the transfer market if they don’t consider Dubravka and Karius as capable deputies.
And despite their riches, Howe has stated that the club are mindful of Financial Fair Play and given that, there is only one candidate they should look to: David De Gea.
De Gea is still a free agent after leaving Man United in the summer.
The Spaniard has been linked with moves to clubs in England, Spain and Saudi Arabia but has yet to commit anywhere.
Like Pope, De Gea is more of a traditional goalkeeper. Both are good with their feet, but their strengths lie in their shot-stopping skills.
Newcastle have been strong at the back and De Gea was given the Golden Glove award last season after keeping 17 clean sheets, therefore adding extra stability.
🚨 Newcastle United are considering making a move for free agent, David de Gea following Nick Pope’s shoulder injury.
(Source: @MailSport) pic.twitter.com/3jwgAwK3CQ
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 4, 2023
Significantly, De Gea has experience on the European stage too. Newcastle’s Champions League fate is up in the air but his knowledge of European football could prove to be vital should Newcastle qualify for the knockout stages, or even drop into the Europa League.
Until the extent of Pope’s injury is confirmed Newcastle shouldn’t rush to sign anyone just yet, but, it could prove to be some shrewd business if he was to be brought in until the end of the season.
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