Nick Pope’s starting role at Newcastle United is not under threat despite the signing of Aaron Ramsdale, according to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh.
In a mailbag response, Waugh said there is “little prospect”
of Pope being displaced in either the Premier League or Champions League.
Pope, for context, is one of only four players to have started every game so far this season and was not rotated against Bournemouth, a sign of how highly Eddie Howe values him, given the gaffer made seven changes to his XI after the Champions League game against Barcelona midweek.
Waugh notes that Howe and his staff “admire” Pope’s ability to make decisive saves, his influence on the defense, and his willingness to act as a sweeper-keeper outside the penalty area.
The insider also pointed out that the goalkeeper’s relationship with Howe is a key factor in his security in the XI, even if that loyalty could become a weakness if Pope’s form dips and Howe still refuses to accept that reality.
Ramsdale’s presence has raised competition and, by Waugh’s account, pushed Pope to improve following an inconsistent spell last season. Ramsdale is expected to feature in domestic cup games and may show Howe enough to ultimately push him into a change, namely because of his above-average distribution and ball-playing prowess, areas where Pope is less accomplished, to say the least.
Newcastle had also monitored James Trafford as part of their long-term planning for this season, but ultimately, he chose Man City, and the Magpies had to settle for getting Ramsdale on loan, just in case Pope falls into his past fitness issues.
Whether Ramsdale becomes a permanent addition will hinge on his performances and Newcastle’s options next summer, although judging by Waugh’s report on Howe’s preference, that doesn’t look like a fait accompli at this point.
