Newcastle United department set for shake up with £20m move and long-serving star set for exit

Aaron Stokes

11 June 2024 at 6:49 am·3-min read

Newcastle United's goalkeeping department is set to look very different by the time the new campaign rolls around as Eddie Howe makes changes between the sticks. Nick Pope is set to retain his place as the Magpies' number one but will have a different set of backups working behind him over the summer and into next season.

Loris Karius has bid farewell to the north east after the expiry of his contract after making just two senior, competitive appearances for the club. Martin Dubravka could well follow him out the door as interest emerges for his signature.

Chronicle Live understands clubs in Germany and the Middle East hold interest in the 35-year-old, while reports on Tuesday have linked Scottish giants Celtic with a summer swoop. Dubravka is currently away with Slovakia ahead of Euro 2024 and won't make any decision on his immediate club future until after the tournament.

Fringe star Mark Gillespie has signed another year-long contract extension and will again offer support behind the scenes to his fellow shot-stoppers.

"Mark’s attitude to his work and his consistency are of the highest order," Howe said after the new contract was announced. "He continues to set an example in how he trains, plays and supports his team-mates, and that’s a hugely important component in any squad. I’m delighted to have him with us."

In terms of incomings, Newcastle are pushing to seal a deal for Burnley youngster James Trafford. The 21-year-old is seen as the ideal competition for Pope next season and a player who could vastly improve in the years to come.

Trafford recently linked up with Gareth Southgate's provisional England squad for the Euros before he was cut from the final 26-man group. He will now enjoy a short holiday as Newcastle attempt to agree a price with Burnley, who want £20m for the prospect.

Speaking of youngsters, Newcastle currently possess a number of teenage shot-stoppers who will be hoping to force their way into Howe's plans on a more regular basis.

17-year-old Aidan Harris was given the nod by the Newcastle chief in the club's recent trip to Australia, featuring in the second-half of the Magpies' second friendly Down Under. The Sunderland-born stopper played three of Newcastle's six UEFA Youth League ties last season and was named on the bench for the senior side against AC Milan in the San Siro.

19-year-old Max Thompson spent half of last season on loan at Northampton Town, making 20 appearances for the Cobblers before returning to Tyneside. "I am a bit surprised at how many games I've played but I'll definitely take it and Newcastle United seem happy with how it's going – there has been a lot of positive feedback,” said the England Under-18s international during his temporary spell away.

Reece Bryne is another prospect in the goalkeeping department who will be hoping to kick on this term. The 18-year-old goalkeeper joined the club from League of Ireland Premier Division side Bohemian FC last year and featured twice in the Premier League 2 last season.

Jude Smith, 20, was another exciting youngster brought in post-takeover but that particular move hasn't worked out. The goalkeeper will not be receiving a new contract and will leave Newcastle this summer.