David De Gea linked to Newcastle move, when could he join?

Perhaps the only positive outcome of a long-term injury to a professional player is that is might be considered be a window of opportunity for someone else. That’s precisely what could be on the cards for David de Gea. Newcastle’s 1-0 victory against Manchester United at the weekend was marred by an negative note: Nick Pope’s injury.

The England goalkeeper, an undisputed starter for Eddie Howe, was replaced with four minutes remaining after suffering a shoulder problem. What initially appeared to be nothing more than some discomfort has ended up being something much more serious. The Magpies No.1 was examined by specialists on Monday, and the worst fears confirmed - a dislocated left shoulder that will require a trip to the operating table.

“If operation is required (& looks likely) the 31-yr-old could face 4-5 months out,” Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie noted on X. Just as he was enjoying the best moment of his career, Nick Pope says goodbye to the rest of the season and next summer’s Euros. And that is where David de Gea’s name comes in. According to an exclusive published by British newspaper The Daily Mail, “Newcastle are considering their options, including a possible move for free agent David de Gea...”

Replacement sought

While at St. James’ Park, “meetings are being held between specialists and the club’s doctors about the best options for Nick Pope and his shoulder injury”, the sports management has set to work to find a replacement for him. The Spanish goalkeeper is an option, but with one condition: “He would have obvious appeal given his pedigree, immediate availability and the fact that he would not require a transfer fee, but he would have to accept a lower amount to fit into his salary structure - if Newcastle decide to make a firm move for him.”

After 12 seasons at Manchester United, where he established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in club history and in the English top flight, De Gea quit Old Trafford after failing to reach an agreement on the extension of his contract. With a salary of £375,000 per week, the 33-year-old goalkeeper accepted a deal with a wage cut, but the club ended up allowing the keeper to leave for free and signed André Onana from Inter Milan for a reported £47.2 million.

De Gea’s last competitive appearance

The FA Cup final against Manchester City on 3 June was the Spanish keeper’s last game in official competition. In other words, De Gea has been inactive for the past six months. For now, Eddie Howe must confront a packed month of tough fixtures with his two available goalkeepers Martin Dubravka and Loris Karius. Running up to Christmas, Newcastle have Premier League games against Everton (A), Tottenham (A), Fulham (H), Luton (A) and Forest (H) plus a difficult away trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on New Year’s Day. Added to that is the Champions League matchday 6 clash with AC Milan which they need to win to have any chance of remaining in the competition, plus the EFL Carabao Cup quarter final against Chelsea on 19 December.