Howe defuses transfer rumors
In the Premier League, re-qualification for the Champions League is in jeopardy, there is also a threat of elimination in this year’s round of the “premier league”, and now Newcastle United also have to do without their regular goalkeeper Nick Pope. The 31-year-old will be out for months, prompting speculation about a winter transfer. Loris Karius (30) would also be available in the “Magpies” goalkeeping team.
In this current championship season, Pope has kept six clean sheets in the Premier League – the top number in the league, ahead of the five clean sheets from Crystal Palace keeper Sam Johnstone and André Onana from Manchester United. The latter inherited United’s goalkeeper icon David de Gea, who is currently without a club, at the “Red Devils” for the new season, whose name comes up when it comes to considerations for replacing Pope. Instead, coach Eddie Howe (quoted via “BBC”) asserted on the subject of transfers: “We have not made any inquiries.” New personnel, if any, are considered with a view to the entire team and not just specifically for the goal. “It’s a chance for the other goalkeepers to consolidate their positions,” said Howe – including Karius.
When Pope had to be substituted shortly before the end of the 1-0 win against Manchester United on Saturday with a shoulder injury, it was not the former Bundesliga keeper, but 34-year-old Martin Dúbravka who came on as a replacement between the posts. Karius remained on the bench while Pope had to leave his post with a pained expression on his face. “There is no doubt that he will need surgery and will therefore be out for a while,” Coach Howe said on club channels. Media reports indicate a predicted downtime of four months. Howe at least sees “still a chance” that Pope could return before the European Championships in the summer. Pope was last part of the national team squad at the World Cup in December last year.
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