Nick Pope is set to leave Newcastle United at the end of the 2026/27 season after five years at St James' Park, with German reports now linking him to Bayern Munich.
The 34-year-old England international was told by head coach Matthias Jaissle that he would no longer be first choice and was given permission to seek a transfer last summer. Rumours of moves to Ipswich Town, Leeds United, and Celtic all came to nothing, leaving Pope as third choice behind Lukas Hornicek and Ewen Jaouen.
Back on the bench after injuries
Pope was quickly promoted back to the bench after Jaouen injured his ankle in training in August. Jaouen's return to fitness was short-lived, as he pulled a hamstring in training with the French Under-21 squad.
With Pope used as Newcastle's lead goalkeeper during the international break, he is expected to be on the bench against Coventry City on October 12.
Bayern Munich interest
Sky Germany report that Bayern Munich are interested in signing Pope on a free transfer next summer. Manuel Neuer is set to retire, and Bayern want a quality backup for Jonas Urbig.
Pope is on a list of possible targets that also includes Koen Casteels (Al-Qadsiah), Kevin Trapp (Paris FC), Frederik Rønnow (Union Berlin), Lukas Hradecky (AS Monaco), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid), and Rui Silva (Sporting CP).
Jaissle's earlier talks
Jaissle held talks with Pope shortly after taking over when the club signed Hornicek from SC Braga. Speaking after a 2-1 win over Valencia, Jaissle said: "I had a talk with Nick. I really appreciate what he did 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."
Pope, who shares an agent with Elliot Anderson, Jack Grealish, and Ivan Toney, will have options when he becomes a free agent next summer.
