Graeme Souness believes Newcastle United will sign David de Gea on a free transfer in January, now that Nick Pope will require surgery for a shoulder injury.
The Magpies may be without their No. 1 goalkeeper for the rest of the season after Pope injured his shoulder. He was injured late in Newcastle’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United. After diving for a save, the 31-year-old was immediately uneasy.
Pope was quickly replaced last Saturday, and Martin Dubravka will start Newcastle’s match against Tottenham Hotspur. Toon coach Howe has announced that Pope will require surgery for the injury and will be out for four months, jeopardizing his Euro 2024 spot.
Newcastle United now view David de Gea as their priority goalkeeper transfer target
Newcastle have already responded to Pope’s injury by looking for new goalkeepers to join them in January. De Gea, who has been a free agent since leaving Manchester United after 12 seasons in July, is a top choice for the St James’ Park club.
According to Sport, Newcastle manager Howe sees De Gea as their top objective for a January signing. However, a move for the 33-year-old remains doubtful, despite earning £375k each week at Old Trafford. Barcelona is also keeping an eye on his position in the aftermath of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s injury.
Following Pope’s injury, Howe has openly downplayed Newcastle’s interest in De Gea. The Magpies manager believes that no negotiations have taken place with the 45-cap Spain ace, who won the Premier League’s 2022/23 Golden Glove award with 17 clean sheets.
“I’ve seen a lot of media headlines regarding goalkeepers and other players,” Howe remarked, according to the Mirror. “We have made no inquiries.” We’d be recruiting in every section of the pitch if we started now. It’s an opportunity for the other keepers to solidify their positions.”
Graeme Souness backs David de Gea to replace Nick Pope after his shoulder injury
While Howe has openly dismissed Newcastle’s interest, Souness believes it would be a’very good idea’ for the Toon to pursue De Gea following Pope’s injury. He even believes the 2012/13 Premier League champion might challenge Pope for the starting spot in the long run.
“I think Newcastle’s move to sign David de Gea on a free as cover for Nick Pope is a very good idea,” Souness told the Daily Mail. I’d go so far as to suggest Pope will have his work cut out for him once he recovers from his shoulder injury.
“I signed Brad Friedel on a free transfer twice, once at Galatasaray and once at Blackburn.” He was my best free agent signee. But, unlike De Gea, Brad had not been sidelined.
“The first few games for De Gea could be difficult because goalkeepers need games to get up to speed.” If you were to ask me, ‘De Gea or Pope?’ ‘De Gea, once he gets up to speed,’ I’d say. He’s the more complete keeper.”
Pope has been Howe’s undisputed No. 1 goalkeeper since his £12 million move from Burnley to Newcastle in June 2022. Since his arrival, he has started 51 of the Magpies’ 53 Premier League games. Pope also finished second in the Golden Gloves with 14 clean sheets in 2022/23.
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