Nick Pope to Celtic transfer latest: Celtic are monitoring Nick Pope’s situation at Newcastle, according to the Daily Mail, with Transfer Feed relaying the claim. The 34-year-old goalkeeper has reportedly been told by new St James’ Park boss Matthias Jaissle that he can leave.
Nick Pope to Celtic transfer latest as Newcastle open exit door
Newcastle’s goalkeeping shake-up has changed the picture quickly. The arrivals of Ewen Jaouen and Lukas Hornicek have added fresh competition, while Pope’s future now looks far less secure than it did a few months ago.
During the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, Pope made 27 appearances, kept seven clean sheets and conceded 38 goals. His distribution caused more concern, though, as he completed 465 passes at a 67% success rate.
Europe brought a better return. Across eight Champions League appearances, the England international kept four clean sheets and conceded only six goals. That contrast explains why interest could still emerge, yet Celtic must ask whether his profile actually suits what they need.
Nick Pope to Celtic could block Sinisalo’s progress
Celtic need another goalkeeper after Kasper Schmeichel’s retirement, but they don’t necessarily need a new number one. Viljami Sinisalo has already established himself as the leading option, and the Hoops should avoid creating an expensive battle for one position.
Pope would arrive with a big reputation and reported wages of £120,000 per week at Newcastle. That’s a huge outlay for Celtic, especially if Martin O’Neill sees him as cover rather than an automatic starter.
At 34, Pope also offers little resale value. Sinisalo, meanwhile, represents a younger option with room to grow and a style better suited to Celtic’s possession-heavy approach.
Nick Pope to Celtic makes limited tactical sense
Pope remains a fine shot-stopper. He commands his box, attacks crosses aggressively and brings vast Premier League experience.
With the ball, however, the numbers tell a different story. Pope recorded 67% passing accuracy in the league last season, while Sinisalo posted a reported 78.2%. The Finn’s short and medium passing accuracy reached 88.4%, and he averaged 44.5 touches per 90 minutes compared with Pope’s 25.6.
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That matters at Celtic, where the goalkeeper regularly starts attacks and faces teams pressing high before sitting deep. Pope could still thrive elsewhere, particularly if Ipswich want an experienced starter. Celtic should spend their money on a younger, cheaper goalkeeper comfortable with the ball at his feet.
