Newcastle hold internal talks to sign £26m goalkeeper after Ipswich’s Nick Pope approach
Newcastle United have now held internal talks to sign Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who could replace Nick Pope.
Ipswich Town have been pursuing Pope throughout the summer transfer window, and the Premier League newcomers have already made an approach, which means the Magpies may need to sign a new goalkeeper this summer.
Interestingly, Suzuki’s agent has already informed Newcastle they can make a deal for the Japanese shot-stopper happen this summer, and the door could now be open, as rival suitors Leeds United are closing in on Manchester City’s James Trafford.
as a scout Ben Mattinson is an admirer of the Parma man, describing him as a “confident, commanding cross claimer with excellent distribution” just over two years ago.
The 23-year-old has since been able to establish himself as the Italian side’s first-choice option between the sticks, making 57 Serie A appearances over the past two seasons, during which time he’s kept 12 clean sheets.
In fact, the Japan international performed very similarly to Pope last season, recording a save percentage of 70.2% and averaging 3.3 saves per 90 in the Serie A. The Englishman’s save percentage was slightly lower at 70.1%, but his saves per 90 average was the same.
Newcastle hold internal discussions to sign Zion Suzuki
According to a report from The Athletic, Newcastle have now held internal talks regarding a deal for Suzukias Pope is still expected to leave.
However, the Magpies can’t offload the 34-year-old until a new goalkeeper arrives at St. James’ Park. Braga’s Lukas Hornicek, and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carl Rushworth have also emerged as potential targets.
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Why Newcastle should sign Zion Suzuki |
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Affordable price tag |
Parma are prepared to offload their goalkeeper for just €30m (£26m) this summer, making him an affordable option for Newcastle, who have already raised £100m from selling Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur. Should Eddie Howe’s side bring in Suzuki, they will also be able to offload Pope, who rakes in £60,000-a-week. |
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Proven in a major league |
Unlike Hornicek, who has never played in one of Europe’s top leagues, and Rushworth, who has primarily featured in the EFL throughout his career to date, the New Jersey-born star has already proven himself in the Serie A, making 57 appearances in the competition. As such, he may be more well-suited to a Premier League move. |
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Age |
Pope could be in the twilight years of his career at 34-years-old, and his contract is set to expire next summer. Suzuki, on the other hand, is still only 23, which means he could be the Magpies’ first-choice goalkeeper for more than a decade to come. |
Newcastle are also keen to improve their options in front of their goalkeeper, and they have now made an offer for AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori.
The Italian side are prepared to sell the Englishman for just £17m, which suggests a deal could be possible.
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