Graeme Souness has backed Newcastle United to sign David de Gea in a free transfer in January now that Nick Pope will need surgery for the goalkeeper’s shoulder injury.
The Magpies face being without their No1 shot-stopper for potentially the rest of the season after Pope dislocated his shoulder. He suffered his injury in the closing stages as Newcastle beat Manchester United 1-0. The 31-year-old instantly felt discomfort after diving for a save.
Pope immediately called to be replaced last Saturday and Martin Dubravka will again start in Newcastle’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur. Toon coach Howe has confirmed that Pope will need surgery for the injury and faces four months on the sidelines to threaten 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 exploring the transfer market for new goalkeepers who can join in January. De Gea is a leading option for the St James’ Park club having remained a free agent since leaving Manchester United after 12 seasons back in July.
According to Sport, Newcastle boss Howe views De Gea as their priority target for a transfer in January. But a move for the 33-year-old is still uncertain having earnt £375k-a-week while at Old Trafford. Barcelona are also tracking his situation after Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s injury.
Howe has publicly moved to play down Newcastle’s interest in De Gea’s transfer after Pope’s injury. The Magpies boss insists the Tyneside natives have not held any talks 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 said, via the Mirror. “We have not made any enquiries. If we were to recruit now, we’d be recruiting in every area on the pitch. It’s a chance for the other keepers to consolidate their positions.”
Graeme Souness backs David de Gea to replace Nick Pope after his shoulder injury
But while Howe has publicly played down Newcastle’s interest, Souness believes it would be a ‘very good idea’ for the Toon to target De Gea’s transfer after Pope’s injury. He even thinks the 2012/13 Premier League winner could rival Pope to take the starting position long-term.
Souness has told the Daily Mail: “I think Newcastle’s move to sign David de Gea on a free as cover for Nick Pope is a very good idea. I’d go so far as to say that Pope might have his work cut out getting his place back when he’s recovered from his shoulder injury.
“I signed Brad Friedel on a free twice – at Galatasaray and at Blackburn. He was my best free signing. But unlike De Gea, Brad had not been out of the game.
“For De Gea, the first few games could be difficult as goalkeepers need games to get them up to speed. If you asked me, ‘De Gea or Pope?’ I would say: ‘De Gea, once he gets up to speed’. He’s the better all-round keeper.”
Pope has been Howe’s absolute No1 goalkeeper since his £12m transfer to Newcastle from Burnley in June 2022. He has started in 51 of the Magpies’ 53 Premier League fixtures since the move. Pope also finished second for the Golden Glove in 2022/23 with 14 clean sheets.
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