Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea open to Newcastle United move

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has been linked with a shock move to Newcastle United after a long-term injury to Nick Pope.

Nick Pope suffered a dislocated shoulder in the second half of Newcastle United’s 1-0 win over Manchester United at St James’ Park last weekend. It was a recurrence of a previous shoulder problem for the England international, who will undergo surgery and is set to be sidelined for at least four months.

Pope’s injury is a big blow to the Magpies considering how he has performed since joining from Burnley, especially this season. As things stand, Eddie Howe still has three fit goalkeepers at his disposal namely Martin Dubravka, Loris Karius and Mark Gillespie.

Yet, there have been rumours about a potential move for David de Gea, who is a free agent after being released by Man United upon the expiration of his contract in the summer. The Spaniard, 33, would reportedly be open to a move to St James’ Park if Newcastle make a satisfactory offer. He spent 12 years at Man United, making close to 550 appearances and was part of the title-winning team in 2012-13.

A move to Newcastle on the cards for De Gea?

Since leaving Man United, De Gea has been linked with a host of clubs, including Real Betis, Inter Miami and Al-Nassr, but is still unattached ahead of the January transfer window. The ex-Spain international was recently linked with a shock return to Man United, who could be without their first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana for several games during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in January, but it now seems he is on the radar of Newcastle.

Newcastle are understood to be weighing up a move for De Gea, even though Eddie Howe recently spoke about how highly he rates Martin Dubravka. Pope’s injury looks set to offer Dubravka an opportunity to reignite his career at Newcastle, having spent the first half of last season on loan at Man United. The Slovakian international, who has been with the Magpies since 2018, now has a run of games to prove to Eddie Howe that he has the qualities to deputise Pope sufficiently before the winter transfer window opens.

Nonetheless, De Gea boasts significant Premier League experience and would bring a winning mentality to the Newcastle dressing room. He would represent something of a coup of sorts for the Toon Army, and if Howe’s club offers him a deal for the second half of the campaign, chances are that the Spaniard will accept after turning down several clubs over the last few months.