Newcastle United’s latest move appears set to trigger another significant change to the squad before the transfer window closes.
After completing the signing of goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Braga, the Magpies have finally reshaped their plans in net for the 2026-27 season, with veteran Nick Pope’s future increasingly coming into focus following another report from the North East.
According to The Shields Gazette’s Dominic Scurr, Hornicek’s arrival is expected to pave the way for Pope’s departure,
with Newcastle prepared to sanction the 34-year-old’s exit if a suitable offer arrives before the transfer deadline.
“The Gazette understands that Hornicek’s arrival will see Newcastle green light Pope’s departure, though a potential suitor is yet to materialise,” Scurr wrote.
Pope, who joined from Burnley in 2022, has made 131 appearances for the Magpies and enters the final year of his contract and has found himself in the rumor mill for most of the summer, even before Newcastle started to put together its new goalie rotation.
Scurr’s report shed light on Newcastle’s plans for fellow netminder Ewen Jaouen, who arrived earlier this summer from Reims.
“The Gazette understands that Newcastle have had interest from Ligue 1 and La Liga clubs regarding taking Jaouen on loan for the season, but the club plans on keeping him around to monitor his development as an understudy to Hornicek,” Scurr wrote.
According to Scurr, Jaouen is expected to remain at St. James’ Park as Hornicek’s backup while gaining experience through domestic cup competitions, with Newcastle viewing both young goalkeepers as the club’s long-term solution between the posts.
For now, no formal offers have arrived at Newcastle’s table for Pope, but there were links with Leeds before they completed a big transfer for former Magpies target James Trafford, with Hull looming as a potential destination after they couldn’t beat NUFC for Hornicek.
Pope has been a key figure during Newcastle’s rise, but this feels like the right time for the club to move on and hand the future to its younger goalkeepers. How much should Newcastle expect to get in exchange for Pope, and what’s the minimum figure you’d sell him for? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
