Leeds United want to sign Newcastle United star - Here are two things £60k-a-week man would bring to Elland Road | OneFootball

FLW look at two things Nick Pope can bring to Leeds United.

The goalkeeping situation at Leeds United has hit the limelight in recent weeks and Nick Pope is the latest name to be linked with the position ahead of next season.

Illan Meslier's ongoing struggles between the sticks for Leeds United could ultimately cost him his place in the team, with manager Daniel Farke opting to replace him with Karl Darlow for the matches against Luton Town and Middlesbrough.

Should Leeds secure promotion, they could enter the transfer market in search of a more reliable option in goal. One potential target is Newcastle United's Nick Pope, who has been linked with a move to Elland Road, according to The Sun. The 32-year-old is seen as a direct replacement for Meslier.

This is likely dependent on a conveyor belt of decisions with Newcastle targeting Burnley's James Trafford. Should that deal materialise, it would allow Pope to move on, and Leeds could seize the opportunity to strengthen their squad with the £60,000-per-week shot-stopper.

With this potential move in mind, Football League World has highlighted two key positives that Nick Pope could bring to Elland Road.

Nick Pope's shot-stopping is brilliant

The primary attribute Leeds supporters will be seeking from their goalkeeper is the ability to keep the ball out of the net, and Nick Pope would bring exactly that. While he may not have quite recaptured the same form he had pre-injury, he remains a brilliant shot-stopper.

This season, the 32-year-old has featured in 20 league matches, keeping five clean sheets and conceding 27 goals. According to FotMob, his save percentage stands at 70%, and his ability to make top-quality saves remains unmatched by most goalkeepers.

In the recent Carabao Cup final, he pulled off a superb save at 2-0, denying Liverpool a route back into the game with an agile, world-class tip over the bar. This has become a regular occurrence for him, and he’s gained a reputation for pulling off the most unbelievable saves.

His peak arguably came in the 2022-23 season when Pope conceded just 32 goals in 37 appearances and made 87 saves, with a success rate of 73.1%. Some of the stops he pulled off that campaign were pivotal in securing Champions League football for Newcastle and Farke would be hoping for a similar output from Pope at Elland Road if signed.

Past that, one of his most valuable traits is his concentration - something that has been a notable weakness for Meslier. Since his arrival at St James' Park, Pope has made just four errors leading to goals, while Meslier has committed ten since joining Leeds.

Nick Pope brings that Premier League experience

As mentioned earlier, this transfer hinges on the Whites securing promotion to the Premier League. Should they achieve that, it will be crucial for them to bring in experience, and the former Burnley number one brings that.

While Meslier has had three seasons in the Premier League with Leeds, his performances have not been consistent enough to warrant another chance at the top level. In contrast, Pope has been a reliable performer throughout, recently surpassing the 200-game mark in the Premier League, keeping over 70 clean sheets during that period.

Reflecting on his peak performance during the 2022-23 season, Pope conceded just 32 goals in 37 appearances and made 87 saves, with a success rate of 73.1%.

At 32 years old, Pope brings leadership and experience and a return to that 22/23 form will be essential if Leeds are to stay up if they get promoted. With much of Leeds' current squad under the age of 25, his presence would likely provide a calming influence, especially with what could be a youthful defence in front of him.

Statistically, the 32-year-old is simply a more naturally accomplished goalkeeper. While his passing may not quite match the Frenchman's, he offers a solid, reliable option for Leeds if they become a Premier League club.