Bayern Munich Consider Nick Pope as Jonas Urbig’s Backup Goalkeeper

Bayern Munich are assessing Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope as they plan for a change of era between the posts next summer. The England international is being considered as an experienced deputy for Jonas Urbig, who is expected to take over as Bayern’s first-choice goalkeeper when Manuel Neuer retires.

Bayern plan for Neuer succession

Pope, 34, has emerged as a possible option for the Allianz Arena role, with Bayern seeking a senior goalkeeper able to support Urbig while remaining ready to play when required. The former Burnley player has made 10 appearances for England and would bring considerable Premier League experience to the squad.

His Newcastle contract runs until June 2027, meaning he could be available without a transfer fee at the end of the season. That prospect makes him an attractive candidate for Bayern, who are weighing the value of adding a proven veteran rather than making a major investment in a reserve goalkeeper.

A move would not place Pope directly in contention to replace Neuer as the regular starter. Instead, Bayern’s intention is for Urbig to become the new number one, with any incoming goalkeeper providing competition, cover and guidance for the younger player.

Pope’s Newcastle situation has changed

Pope has had limited involvement at Newcastle this season after slipping down the goalkeeping order under manager Matthias Jaissle. Summer signing Lukas Hornicek started the club’s first five Premier League matches, while Ewen Jaouen was selected for the Carabao Cup.

• Pope’s most recent competitive appearance was on 24 May, the final day of the 2025-26 season.
• He started Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat away to Fulham in that match.
• Hornicek has taken the Premier League place during the opening phase of the current campaign.
• Young goalkeeper Jaouen has been used in domestic cup football.

The reduction in opportunities could make a departure appealing for Pope, even if a Bayern move would initially offer a supporting rather than leading role. It would nevertheless provide the goalkeeper with a route back into a Champions League environment.

Wider list of goalkeeping candidates

Pope is one of several established goalkeepers being watched by Bayern as they map out their summer recruitment. The club’s options include Bundesliga-based candidates Marvin Schwabe, Oliver Baumann and Finn Dahmen, as well as Fulham’s Bernd Leno.

Other experienced names under consideration are Koen Casteels, Kevin Trapp, Frederik Ronnow, Lukas Hradecky, Juan Musso and Sporting CP goalkeeper Rui Silva.

Bayern have not settled on a preferred choice, and Pope’s place in the club’s final shortlist will determine whether interest develops into a formal move. For now, his contract position and diminished status at Newcastle have made him a credible option in Bayern’s search for an accomplished understudy to Urbig.