Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Sat 9 May 2026 12:10, UK

Leeds United will leave fans disappointed if they sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope in the upcoming transfer window.

The Whites may look to reinforce their shot-stopping department once again in the summer after Karl Darlow displaced Lucas Perri for the number one spot midway through the season.

Pope was a target at Elland Road last summer and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the West Yorkshire outfit turn their attention to him again.

While there’s an argument that Daniel Farke should get funds for a new number one due to Darlow’s age and Perri’s underwhelming stint in LS11, signing the England international surely makes no sense.

Pope’s future at Newcastle is uncertain right now after struggling for regular starts at the Tyneside outfit and the 34-year-old’s form hasn’t been encouraging this season.

Leeds United can’t be serious with Nick Pope transfer approach

It wouldn’t make sense for Leeds to reignite their interest in Pope, with Darlow arguably having a better season than him.

Pope has conceded 1.4 goals per game, with a goals-prevented record of -3.06 in 24 Premier League appearances for Newcastle in the 2025-26 campaign, as per Sofascore.

On the other hand, Darlow has been on the receiving end of 1.2 goals per game in 19 league matches with a goals prevented rating of -2.37, clearly outperforming the English goalkeeper in that area.

Pope has kept seven clean sheets compared to the 35-year-old Welsh goalkeeper’s four, but the Magpies’ shot-stopper has made three errors leading to a goal, while the West Yorkshire outfit’s veteran ace has made none.

Daniel Farke won’t want to waste money at Elland Road

Until Leeds secure a quality goalkeeper to strengthen their squad, it wouldn’t make sense to spend money to reinforce that position.

If someone like Manchester City’s James Trafford becomes available, then it would make sense for the Whites to make a significant investment.

Paying a relatively decent sum to sign someone like Pope would certainly be a waste, as Darlow and Perri have shown they can do a decent job in different competitions to help Farke’s team remain competitive.

It’s arguably imperative that 49ers Enterprises invest to strengthen the German manager’s squad to avoid another Premier League relegation battle next season, but the Peacocks must be sensible with their recruitment.