Merson says ‘it’s ridiculous’ Newcastle signed Pope for £10m

Newcastle United agreed a £10m deal to sign Nick Pope in June and have an experienced England international to compete with Martin Dubravka for a starting place next season. Paul Merson hailed the signing in his recent Sportskeeda column and called the transfer ‘ridiculous’ for the Magpies pulling off a coup.

He wrote: “Nick Pope is a top goalkeeper. It’s ridiculous that Newcastle got a player of his caliber for as little as £10 million. There isn’t much between (Jordan Pickford) and Pope – that’s how good a player the former Burnley man is. Pope will save them points and is a top, top goalkeeper for their project.”

The 30-year-old joined on a four-year deal from Burnley, having made 155 appearances in all competitions, conceding 186 goals with 53 clean sheets. Burnley’s relegation has resulted in many players jumping ship to stay in the Premier League and Pope was no different.

Video: Championship transfers: Scott Twine says he is 'delighted' to join Burnley FC (The Independent)

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