Nick Pope Newcastle United transfer twist as Premier League club issues statement
Newcastle United transfers: Nick Pope’s potential move to Ipswich Town has been impacted by the uncertainty surrounding the club’s managerial situation.
Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope had a dream move to Ipswich Town lined up this summer.
But the potential transfer has been put on hold following the departure of Kieran McKenna as Ipswich manager.
Last week, The Gazette revealed a £5million move to the Premier League newcomers had been discussed with Pope even willing to take a considerable wage cut to join his boyhood club, whom he previously represented at academy level.
Newcastle have already confirmed the signing of 20-year-old goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Stade de Reims as well as the departures of Aaron Ramsdale, John Ruddy and Max Thompson.
But the movement in the goalkeeper position is highly unlikely to stop there with Odysseas Vlachodimos available to leave the club after his loan spell at Sevilla came to an end. As a result, further goalkeeper additions are to be expected regardless of where Pope’s future lies.
Nick Pope will be allowed to leave Newcastle United
While Jaouen's arrival would ease Pope's departure after four years at St James' Park, the club would still look to bring in a replacement as a new hierarchy in the goalkeeping department is established.
Jaouen will be given the chance to impress in pre-season but will likely be used as a number two initially. The club will sign another goalkeeper to replace John Ruddy as a number three goalkeeper.
Pope has been made available for transfer this summer as Newcastle look to avoid the prospect of losing him for nothing when his contract expires next year.
The 34-year-old is open to leaving the club after a difficult 2025/26 campaign, but a move to Ipswich was held up by McKenna’s situation.
Now Ipswich’s priority is identifying McKenna’s successor as manager, any potential move for Pope will be on hold. That will give rival clubs the chance to swoop in with Leeds United also credited with an interest in the 10-time England international.
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Fellow Premier League newcomers Hull City have also been made aware of Pope’s availability this summer, though the goalkeeper’s preference would be to join Ipswich.
Should Pope leave, Newcastle would likely look to bring in a proven senior-level replacement.
Manchester City's James Trafford remains a player of interest and would be open to joining Newcastle, though the financial package required to complete a deal remains a significant hurdle. Bart Verbruggen, Gregor Kobel and Robin Risser have also been looked at.
Ipswich Town issue Kieran McKenna statement
Confirming the departure of popular manager McKenna, an Ipswich club statement read: “Kieran McKenna will step down as Ipswich Town Manager this summer after five seasons at the club.
“Kieran has made the decision to take time away from football management having been at the forefront of one of the most successful eras in Ipswich Town history, leading the team to three promotions in the last four years, two of which have taken the Blues to the Premier League.
“He leaves Portman Road following the second of those promotions to the top-flight, which once again sparked joyous scenes of celebration and highlighted a connection between the club and its supporters which has grown significantly during his five years in charge.