Caoimhin Kelleher’s impending move to Brentford from Liverpool comes as a blow to Leeds United as The Whites look to bring in a new goalkeeper in the coming weeks and months.
Leeds had made an enquiry to sign Ireland and Liverpool goalkeeper Kelleher. But on the weekend, a fee was agreed between Brentford and Liverpool for Kelleher, with Mark Flekken set to join Bayer Leverkusen.
Leeds then, are left to trudge back to the drawing board. Kelleher was clearly a key target for The Whites and at the bargain initial fee of £12.5m, rising to £18m, Leeds fans are frustrated they didn’t get Kelleher.
It only took a few hours before one of the nation’s leading newspapers reported that Leeds are pursuing a new goalkeeper. Newcastle’s Nick Pope was linked before, but now Leeds are actively pursuing him.
What Newcastle fans think of Nick Pope joining Leeds United
Pope remains a mainstay for Newcastle, sitting above Martin Dubravka in the pecking order despite spending large spells out injured in the last couple of years. The 33-year-old’s contract ends in 2026.
Reports say Newcastle are eyeing a £30m move for James Trafford and that could open the door to land £10m signing Pope. An ambitious move but clearly, one that would delight those of a Leeds persuasion.
Perhaps surprisingly, Newcastle supporters think it makes sense for Pope to join Leeds – if Eddie Howe’s side go and sign a player like Trafford or another big signing this summer. Here is how they responded.
One fan said “Leeds are doing some serious business” in response to the Pope reports, while another reiterated the above by saying “makes some sense this” if he is replaced with “Trafford or Joan Garcia”.
“Pope would be a good signing for Leeds”, said another Newcastle supporter. He continued by saying he is a “Premier League goalkeeper with experience”, which is what The 49ers seem to be targeting.
What Graeme Bailey has said about Newcastle’s stance on Pope
As aforementioned, Pope will see the four-year deal he signed in 2022 enter its final year on June 30. If Newcastle are to get some money back for their £10m investment, they will need to sell this summer.
Graeme Bailey told LeedsUnited.News that actually, Pope has been aware for the last 12 months that Howe wants a new goalkeeper. Trafford almost joined Newcastle last summer before it fell through.
What may prove difficult for Leeds is that given Pope’s old club Burnley would be selling Trafford, there could be a deal in which Pope is included by Newcastle alongside some cash to sign Trafford.
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