Jaissle Confirms Nick Pope Talks as Newcastle Set £5M Price With Celtic Circling

Newcastle United are reportedly prepared to sanction the departure of long-serving goalkeeper Nick Pope during the current transfer window for a surprisingly low fee. The veteran shot-stopper has dropped down the pecking order at St James’ Park following significant recruitment in the goalkeeping department this summer.

Jaissle Addresses the Pope Situation Directly

Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle has provided a meaningful update on Pope’s future, signaling that the goalkeeper’s time on Tyneside may be coming to an end. Speaking to reporters after the Magpies’ 2-1 pre-season win over Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium, Jaissle was candid about the conversations he has had with the former Burnley man. Despite Pope travelling to Spain for the match, he was absent from the matchday squad, immediately fuelling speculation over a potential exit before the transfer deadline.

When asked directly about the 34-year-old’s standing at the club, Jaissle confirmed that a clear dialogue has taken place regarding his prospects for the season ahead.

“I had a talk with Nick. I really appreciate what he has done in his career so far. He knows exactly the situation right now and we need to deal with it in the best possible way, but I always appreciate the player and the human being behind.” — Matthias Jaissle

Celtic Emerge as Leading Contenders

With Newcastle open to offers, Celtic have emerged as a surprise destination for the goalkeeper. The Scottish club are in the market for a new presence between the sticks following the retirement of Kasper Schmeichel. While Vil Sinisalo stepped into the primary role in March, Celtic are understood to be keen on adding experience to the position, particularly as they look to balance domestic dominance with competitive European performances.

The financial terms of a potential deal add to Pope’s appeal for Celtic. Newcastle are willing to accept a fee in the region of £5 million to move the high earner off their wage bill, a figure that represents genuine value for a goalkeeper of his calibre.

A Generational Shift in Newcastle’s Goalkeeping Plans

Placing Pope on the transfer list marks a clear shift in Newcastle’s long-term planning. For several seasons he was the undisputed first choice, playing a central role in the club’s transformation into Champions League contenders and their run to the Carabao Cup final. A series of high-profile errors over the past 12 months, combined with fitness concerns, led the recruitment team to prioritise fresh alternatives in the position.

This overhaul is part of a wider strategy to reduce the squad’s average age while bringing in modern goalkeeping attributes that align with Jaissle’s tactical demands.

Pope Leaves a Defined Legacy at St James’ Park

Should Pope depart for Celtic or another club in the coming weeks, he leaves behind a record of consistent performances during a period of rapid growth at Newcastle. Since joining in 2022, he was a foundational part of the defensive structure that secured two top-four finishes and returned European football to Tyneside. His performances were often decisive in tight contests, and his presence was valuable in guiding younger defenders through high-pressure moments.

Follow TipsGG for full coverage of this transfer as it develops ahead of the deadline.