Newcastle United tipped to make £40k-a-week star Nick Pope’s replacement, not David de Gea

Follow us on Google Discover

The Newcastle United goalkeeping debate has provided Eddie Howe with a headache he simply didn’t want.

Nick Pope was such a key and consistent performer for Newcastle United, but his shoulder injury means that he might not even be back in action this season, and if he is, it will be deep into the campaign.

As a result, who should Newcastle sign to replace Nick Pope as the club’s number one?

Shaka Hislop thinks it shouldn’t be ex-Manchester United star David de Gea, and instead, he thinks the answer is staring them in the face in Martin Dubravka, as he told ESPN. 

According to Shaka Hislop, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Toon Army faithful disagreed with this, but he feels that Martin Dubravka has done ‘really well’ and should be the one to take the gloves for the long-term.

Whilst the £40k-a-week star was previously the club’s number one, he proved during the defeat at Tottenham why that’s no longer the case.

Who should replace Nick Pope?

“De Gea is available, but saying that, I like Dubravka,” said Hislop. “I think Dubravka is doing really well for Newcastle.

“That first season that he had. I didn’t know that (Player of the Year at Newcastle). But I think he did really well for Eddie Howe that first season. He kept Newcastle up. 

“Pope is the better goalkeeper. I have no issues with that. 

On if he wants de Gea: “My concern is that, because Pope is out for so long, I am not sure you have the back-up.

“But then, do you bring de Gea in to sit on the bench? As a starting goalkeeper, Dubravka is great. I think Dubravka fills that void.”

Martin Dubravka injured

Newcastle face one of their biggest games in many, many years when they welcome Italian giants, AC Milan to St James’ Park on Wednesday.

This is a must-win Champions League decider for the Magpies, who even if they secure three points, might still get knocked out of Europe’s elite competition.

Help will be needed from the other match in Group F, with already-qualified Dortmund hosting Kylian Mbappe’s PSG.

Whilst Dubravka has been in between the sticks for the last few matches, it seems as though Newcastle are now down to their third choice because the club’s back-up has now seemingly picked up an injury.