Nick Pope Spark Transfer Speculation as he drop 4-word message on Newcastle United’s next signing

Newcastle United’s long-awaited move for James Trafford appears to be nearing completion, if Nick Pope’s telling social media activity is anything to go by.

The current Magpies goalkeeper sent fans into a frenzy with a four-word comment on Trafford’s Instagram story that seemed to confirm the Burnley shot-stopper’s imminent arrival at St James’ Park.

“See you soon s—-,” Pope wrote beneath a clip of Trafford saving a penalty in the 2023 Under-21 European Championship final. While the veteran keeper might not have intended his casual remark to go public, the message has now fueled widespread belief that Newcastle will finally secure their primary goalkeeping target after a year of persistent pursuit.

The transfer saga has taken numerous twists since Newcastle first attempted to sign Trafford in 2024, only for financial fair play constraints to scupper the deal.

Now, with the Magpies’ PSR concerns set to ease significantly after June 30 – when £73 million of heavy losses cycle out of their accounts – the club is poised to make their move.

Newcastle’s initial £25 million bid plus add-ons was rejected by Burnley, but negotiations continue with the clubs believed to be around £5 million apart in their valuations.

Trafford has already agreed personal terms, leaving only the transfer fee to be settled before the 22-year-old can complete his switch to Tyneside.

Pope’s public acknowledgment of the deal raises intriguing questions about Newcastle’s goalkeeping hierarchy. While the England international appears welcoming of his potential new teammate, Trafford’s arrival would undoubtedly threaten Pope’s starting position.

The younger keeper’s exceptional Championship campaign – where he kept 29 clean sheets and conceded just 16 goals – suggests he would quickly challenge for the number one shirt, potentially consigning Pope to bench duty.

The social media exchange also reveals the camaraderie between England internationals, regardless of club rivalries or positional competition.

Pope’s message carries particular weight given his status as Newcastle’s established first-choice, hinting at both his professionalism and the advanced stage of Trafford’s proposed transfer.

For Eddie Howe, securing Trafford would represent a significant piece of summer business, addressing a key position with one of England’s most promising young goalkeepers.

The 22-year-old’s distribution skills and comfort with the ball at his feet align perfectly with Howe’s preferred style of play, offering an evolution from Pope’s more traditional strengths.

As Newcastle fans await official confirmation, Pope’s accidental revelation has provided the clearest indication yet that Trafford will soon be wearing black and white.

The coming days should bring resolution to this protracted transfer saga, with Newcastle expected to formalize their improved offer once their financial situation becomes more flexible in July.

While the deal’s completion appears inevitable, Pope’s humorous comment has already written its way into Newcastle transfer folklore – an amusing footnote to what could become one of the club’s most important signings of the summer.

The veteran’s gracious response to his potential replacement demonstrates the squad’s unified mindset as they prepare for another demanding campaign on multiple fronts.

For Trafford, the move offers the perfect platform to fulfill his undoubted potential while learning from an established Premier League goalkeeper in Pope.

Their Instagram exchange suggests the foundation for a productive working relationship has already been laid, even before the formalities of the transfer have been completed.