Newcastle United’s efforts to offload goalkeeper Nick Pope before the transfer window closes have been thrown into doubt following Celtic’s shock Champions League elimination.
The Scottish champions had been identified as a potential landing spot for the 34-year-old shot-stopper as Newcastle reshapes its goalkeeping unit under Matthias Jaissle.
However, Celtic’s failure to advance to the Champions League league phase has substantially altered their financial outlook, casting doubt over their ability to meet Pope’s wage demands.
Nick Pope’s Celtic transfer threatens to fall apart due to salary concerns
According to FourFourTwo, Newcastle United is still prepared to authorize Pope’s exit, but his current salary package may be prohibitively expensive for Celtic in the wake of their European disappointment.
Pope’s contract at Newcastle reportedly includes annual wage escalations, meaning his current earnings likely exceed Celtic’s standard pay structure.
Such costs might have been absorbable with Champions League revenue, but Celtic suffered a stunning collapse against LASK on Tuesday.
Reuters reported that Celtic surrendered a commanding 4-0 aggregate lead before losing 5-4 on aggregate, dropping down to the Europa League as a result.
FourFourTwo estimates that the financial shortfall could exceed £20 million in lost revenue, potentially forcing Celtic to reassess whether acquiring an experienced goalkeeper on Premier League wages represents sound business.
Newcastle United face a costly dilemma
From Newcastle’s standpoint, Celtic’s Champions League exit has come at the worst possible juncture.
Jaissle has already overhauled the goalkeeping department with the additions of Lukas Hornicek and Ewen Jaouen, leaving Pope facing a sharply diminished role at St James’ Park. Removing his wages from the books therefore makes significant financial sense.
Yet Newcastle has no control over Celtic’s finances.
Pope remains a proven Premier League goalkeeper who would undoubtedly strengthen Celtic, but his salary becomes far more difficult to justify without Champions League income.
This leaves Newcastle with an awkward decision. They could subsidize a portion of Pope’s wages or lower their asking price to help facilitate the move, but doing so diminishes the rationale for selling him altogether.
Alternatively, they may simply be forced to retain him.
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