Newcastle United's goalkeeper hierarchy has changed significantly under Matthias Jaissle, with summer signing Lukas Hornicek establishing himself as No. 1 and Ewen Jaouen preferred as the primary backup when fit. That has left Nick Pope facing an increasingly limited role at St James' Park and more than an uncertain future in Tyneside.
According to Sky Germany , Bayern Munich has surprisingly identified Pope as a potential target ahead of next summer's transfer window. The Bundesliga club is looking for an experienced goalkeeper to support Jonas Urbig once Manuel Neuer retires.
"According to Sky Sport, a clear trend is emerging: Bayern Munich are not looking for a young goalkeeper who will immediately put pressure on Jonas Urbig or open a competition for the number one spot," the outlet reported. "Instead, the focus is on an experienced keeper who brings stability, leadership qualities, and a willingness to take on a supporting role.
"The list also includes Bernd Leno of Fulham (contract until 2027 with a club option for another year), Augsburg's Finn Dahmen (2027), former Wolfsburg player Koen Casteels (2027, Al-Qadsiah), and former Frankfurt player Kevin Trapp (2028, Paris FC ). Also on the list are Frederik Rönnow of Union Berlin (contract length unknown) and international options such as former Bayer Leverkusen player Lukas Hradecky (2027 with an option for another year, AS Monaco ), Nick Pope (2027, Newcastle United ), Juan Musso (2028, Atletico Madrid ), and Rui Silva (2028, Sporting)."
Pope, 34, is viewed as one possible veteran and could potentially be available without a transfer fee when his Newcastle contract expires in June 2027.
The England international has not made a competitive appearance this season after losing his starting position to Hornicek. Jaouen has also been trusted in cup competition, further underlining Pope's fall down Newcastle's goalkeeper order.
His most recent competitive appearance came in Newcastle's 2-0 defeat against Fulham on the final day of the 2025-26 campaign.
Bayern's interest is not exclusive to Pope, however, as Sky Germany presented a hilariously long list of experienced options featuring the likes of Koen Casteels, Kevin Trapp, Frederik Ronnow and Lukas Hradecky among others.
Pope, meanwhile, was previously linked with Celtic, Leeds United and Hull City during the summer transfer window, meaning Newcastle could face a decision over whether to seek a January transfer rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer. For now, there is no indication that Bayern has opened negotiations or made an offer.
Should Newcastle try to move Pope on in January to get something in return, or keep an experienced third goalkeeper until his contract expires? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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