Leeds would not face ‘keeper dilemma if they had signed Pope in 2016

Follow us on Google Discover

Leeds United wanted goalkeeper Nick Pope when Charlton Athletic were relegated from the Championship in 2015/16.

The fact that some Burnley fans were fretting about their season falling apart when influential goalkeeper Tom Heaton was ruled out with a dislocated shoulder now seems a little unbelievable.

Then again, no one knew how seldom-seen back-up Nick Pope would adapt to life in the Premier League.

But, five months later, it is clear no one should have doubted the former Charlton Athletic shot-stopper. He has been excellent since stepping into Heaton’s shoes; so much so that Clarets boss Sean Dyche has a real dilemma with the England international set to return in the near future.

And, according to the Sun, Pope’s form has been so impressive that Newcastle United will make a move for him during the summer if he is forced to drop back down onto the bench at Turf Moor.

He has even been tipped to force his way into England manager Gareth Southgate’s thoughts ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

So Leeds United should be viewing Pope’s sudden emergence with a tinge of regret, particularly as concerns continue to swirl around their own goalkeeping situation.

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds were very impressed with Pope’s performances during the 2015/16 season, despite Charlton’s relegation from the Championship.

And, two years on, Leeds are still arguably in need of a reliable number one. Felix Wiedwald has improved greatly in 2018 but a potentially fatal error never seems too far away from a ‘keeper who, during his time with Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga, had his fair share of false dawns.

Experienced back-up Andy Lonergan, however, has not exactly covered himself in glory when called on. The goalkeeping position is one of the most precarious in Leeds’ squad, although it is tempting to think this would not be a problem right now had they signed Pope when they had the chance.

The 25-year-old, after all, has the talent and dependability to walk into Leeds’ starting XI; he has not really made a crucial mistake in Burnley colours all season.

The same cannot be said for Wiedwald or Lonergan.