Bayern Munich has identified Nick Pope as a potential signing as they search for a successor to their long-serving goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Following Germany’s disappointing exit from the World Cup against Paraguay last summer, Neuer stepped down from international football, and now at 40 years of age, his remaining time playing for the Bundesliga giants may also be drawing to a close.
A recent update suggests that the Bavarian club has drafted a six-man shortlist to replace the Gelsenkirchen-born shot-stopper, with Newcastle’s third-string goalie surprisingly among the candidates.
Nick Pope’s potential transfer from Newcastle United’s substitutes’ bench to Bayern Munich
Having vied for the starting role with Aaron Ramsdale at Newcastle last term, Pope is yet to make an appearance under newly appointed boss Matthias Jaissle, particularly after the arrival of Lukas Hornicek, who was selected for the League Cup win over Millwall last month.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the English goalkeeper is being tracked by Leeds United, Celtic, and Hull City, though the interest from Munich remains the most unexpected development.
Alongside the English international, five other goalkeepers are reportedly on the German club’s radar.
Sporting’s Rui Silva, Monaco’s Lukas Hradecky, Frederik Ronnow of Union Berlin, Paris FC’s Kevin Trapp, and Atletico Madrid’s Juan Musso are also being considered as the Bundesliga champions seek a seamless transition of power in goal once Neuer departs.
The publication indicates that the club’s hierarchy is focusing on securing an experienced international keeper to prevent any drop-off in performance while 23-year-old Jonas Urbig continues his development, having featured in 23 league matches for the side since his move from Koln last year.
Throughout the years, a number of prominent goalkeepers have attempted to challenge Neuer for the starting spot, including a failed transition plan initiated by the club six years ago.
Back in 2020, the Bundesliga giants secured the services of the highly-rated Alexander Nubel from Schalke, a move that Neuer famously dismissed as of no consequence to his own standing.
Ultimately, Nubel failed to establish himself at the Allianz Arena, whereas Neuer went on to lead the team as captain to a historic six-trophy haul that very season.
Both Daniel Peretz and Yann Sommer have served as backups to the legendary German keeper, with Sommer brought in as cover after Neuer suffered a broken leg during a skiing trip, yet neither was able to permanently displace the long-time number one.
Pope currently carries a €3 million valuation on Transfermarkt. Meanwhile, Newcastle are set to face newly-promoted Coventry City on the road as Premier League fixtures resume this coming weekend.
