Newcastle United ‘Refusing to Pay’ £40m Price Tag for First Summer Signing – Report | OneFootball

Nick Pope’s Loyalty to Newcastle Throws a Wrench in Leeds’ Goalkeeper Hopes

According to a detailed report from TBR Football, Nick Pope has made his feelings clear regarding a potential summer switch to newly-promoted Leeds United, and it’s not the news Whites fans were hoping for. The 32-year-old England international, despite being aware of Newcastle United’s pursuit of a new goalkeeper, reportedly “doesn’t want to leave Newcastle United” and still “thinks he’s capable of playing” at the highest level.

It’s a sentiment that carries weight. Pope was instrumental in Newcastle’s fifth-place Premier League finish last season, keeping eight clean sheets in 28 appearances and conceding just 35 goals. While these numbers don’t suggest urgent need for a replacement, manager Eddie Howe is seemingly looking for marginal gains as the Magpies try to mount a serious title challenge next term.

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As TBR Football‘s Graeme Bailey put it, “It’s not that Eddie Howe doesn’t love Pope, he just thinks they can improve in that area. When you become title challengers, it’s the 1% or 2% here and there that can improve you.”

James Trafford Pursuit Hits Roadblock

Newcastle’s primary target remains James Trafford, the standout performer for Burnley last season. The 21-year-old dazzled in the Championship, keeping 29 clean sheets and conceding only 16 goals in 45 games, making him one of the most sought-after young stoppers in Europe.

However, Burnley’s £40 million valuation is proving a significant stumbling block. Newcastle are refusing to pay the £40m that Burnley would need to get him, Bailey reports. With financial restrictions still looming due to PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules), Newcastle are forced to weigh up their options carefully.

Leeds United’s Goalkeeping Puzzle

Leeds United, fresh from their Championship title triumph, are eyeing reinforcement between the sticks. Illan Meslier’s form collapsed at a critical juncture last season, prompting manager Daniel Farke to drop him in favour of Karl Darlow, a player Leeds signed from Newcastle last summer.

Pope would represent a major upgrade and bring Premier League pedigree and calm authority to a newly promoted side. But with the Hexham-born keeper committed to staying on Tyneside, Leeds may be forced to turn their attentions elsewhere — or consider reinstating Darlow as first-choice heading into a daunting top-flight campaign.

Joan Garcia Slips Through Newcastle’s Fingers

With Trafford’s deal uncertain, Newcastle briefly turned their sights to La Liga’s standout keeper, Joan Garcia, who led Spain’s top flight in saves (142), goals prevented (7.5), and overall rating (6.94).

But TBR Football confirmed that Garcia has already agreed a move to Barcelona, after the Catalan giants triggered his £21.3 million release clause. Newcastle, Aston Villa and Arsenal were all said to be interested, but the player’s head was turned by the prospect of becoming Barça’s long-term No.1.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Newcastle supporter, this saga sparks mixed emotions. On one hand, Nick Pope’s commitment is admirable. He’s a proven shot-stopper who’s helped the club secure European football and brought stability since his arrival. His loyalty and belief in his own ability are qualities fans respect.

Yet, as Newcastle look to push beyond the top four and genuinely compete for trophies, Pope’s limitations with the ball at his feet, and occasional lack of agility in tight spaces, are well noted. Trafford seems tailor-made for the modern game — quick off his line, composed in possession, and fearless under pressure.

The problem lies in the fee. £40 million is steep for an uncapped 21-year-old, especially given other areas in the squad also need attention. Missing out on Garcia feels like a lost opportunity too — a more affordable option who ticks a lot of boxes.

Meanwhile, for Leeds, this will sting. Pope felt like the perfect fit for their Premier League return, adding experience and leadership. With Darlow unconvincing long-term and Meslier likely to be sold, their goalkeeper hunt continues in urgency.

Ultimately, if Pope stays and Newcastle fail to land Trafford, fans may begin to question whether enough has been done to truly evolve the side. This summer’s goalkeeper decisions could define the next phase of Eddie Howe’s project.