Newcastle United are reportedly considering David de Gea as a replacement for Nick Pope. However, his wage bill will be a key issue.
In their last match against Manchester United, Newcastle pushed forward non-stop throughout the game. After a series of disappointing finishes, the Magpies finally took the lead in the 10th minute of the second half when Kieran Trippier’s low cross was finished by Anthony Gordon. Newcastle went on to lock it down for the remainder of the half, and the game ended with a 1-0 win.
However, there was some bad news during the game. Pope, in goal, was injured in the 37th minute when he threw himself to block a shot by Sergio Reguillon. The game was stopped for a while, and Pope was eventually helped off the field by medical staff. After the game, head coach Eddie Howe announced that Pope’s shoulder appeared to be dislocated.
Pope”s absence is expected to be lengthy. “Pope will be out for up to four months with a dislocated shoulder,” the British publication Football Insider reported on Thursday. He will miss fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal. He will also miss the UEFA Champions League match against AC Milan.”
There are already a number of injuries in Newcastle. It’s already up to 12. Newcastle have lost Sandro Tonali to a suspension for illegal gambling, and have a total of 12 players on the sidelines, including Jacob Murphy, Dan Byrne, Callum Wilson, Elliott Anderson, and Sean Longstaff. Newcastle’s woes were compounded by the loss of their first-choice goalkeeper.
As a result, the search for Pope’s replacement began quickly. Surprisingly, it was De Gea. “Newcastle are considering a move for De Gea, who is a free agent, as they await the results of tests on Pope”s shoulder injury,” the Daily Mail reported on Thursday. His experience, immediate availability and the fact that he would not incur a transfer fee make him attractive,” the Mail reported exclusively.
“De Gea earned £375,000 a week in his last contract with United. If Newcastle were to make a firm move for him, De Gea would have to accept a lower salary to fit into Newcastle’s wage structure.”
De Gea is a United legend. After 12 years in goal, he left the club at the end of last season. He has been linked with several clubs, but has yet to find a new home.