As Newcastle United look to unravel their goalkeeper downside, a brand new possibility has reportedly emerged as one to observe in what can be one of the stunning strikes of the summer time.
Newcastle’s goalkeeper downside
Since final summer time, Newcastle’s curiosity in James Trafford has been a reasonably open secret. Reviews even instructed that the Burnley shot-stopper had already agreed phrases with the Magpies. One yr on, nevertheless, Burnley are again within the Premier League and it stays to be seen whether or not the England worldwide will full a long-awaited transfer.
If it is to not be Trafford, then whether or not Newcastle flip their consideration elsewhere is the large query. Present No.1 Nick Pope had extra damage issues all through the 2024/25 marketing campaign and with each him and Martin Dubravka not getting any youthful, Eddie Howe might actually do with a contemporary face in between the sticks this summer time.
Premier League stats 24/25 (through FBref) | Nick Pope | Martin Dubravka |
|---|---|---|
Begins | 28 | 10 |
Saves per 90 | 3.07 | 2.90 |
Save Share | 71.7% | 70.7% |
Clear Sheets | 8 | 5 |
The numbers don’t paint a reasonably image for these at St James’ Park- the truth that Pope missed 10 Premier League video games ought to ship alarm bells ringing round Tyneside. With Champions League soccer to stability alongside home motion subsequent season, the very last thing that Howe wants is for his No.1 to overlook an prolonged interval via damage once more.
PIF ought to have cash to spend this time round following a irritating interval amid PSR points, and a big sum of that cash ought to be spent on giving Howe a serious improve in between the sticks. If current experiences are something to go by although, the Magpies may very well be in for a shock on that entrance.
Fraser Forster is “one to keep watch over”
In keeping with The Every day Mail’s Craig Hope, Fraser Forster is now “one to keep watch over” as Newcastle look to signal one other goalkeeper. The shot-stopper is prone to exchange Odysseas Vlachodimos if he does arrive, with the previous Nottingham Forest man amongst gamers who’re prone to be proven the door at St James’ Park this summer time.
Signing Forster, even when Vlachodimos departs, would stay a stunning transfer by Newcastle. Their present crop of goalkeepers is already an ageing one and including a 37-year-old to that will hardly ease that downside – particularly one who reportedly earns £75,000-a-week.
The Tottenham goalkeeper remains to be somebody who earned the reward of Ange Posescoglou again in December, nevertheless, with the Australian telling reporters after Forster’s mistake in opposition to Liverpool: “He’s upset as effectively, as a result of he was excellent for us [before]. He didn’t have so much to do earlier than then. And even the primary half, I believed he was actually good together with his toes.”
While Forster is a participant with loads of expertise, what is evident is that Newcastle will want extra than simply his arrival to unravel their shot-stopping issues this summer time.
