Bayern drop Nick Pope as German keeper priority reshapes transfer plans

Nick Pope has logged 131 appearances for Newcastle United since joining in the summer of 2022, yet Bayern Munich have now ruled the 34‑year‑old English goalkeeper out of their transfer plans, a report says.

Pope, who is contracted with the Magpies until the end of the season, featured in 36 matches last campaign but has not yet taken the field for Matthias Jaissle’s side in the 2026/27 season.

Decision confirmed by Bayern insider

journalist Christian Falk wrote on his CFBayernInsider site that Bayern discussed Pope during the international break but “it is NOT TRUE: Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope is on Bayern’s list”. He added that the club has shifted its focus to German candidates.

Falk listed Finn Dahmen, Bernd Leno and Marvin Schwabe as the preferred options, noting the historical success of German keepers at Bayern. He explained that the club wants a player willing to serve as backup to Jonas Urbig, the current No 1.

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German goalkeepers dominate Bayern’s shortlist

The report highlighted interest in Dahmen, who is the No 1 at FC Augsburg, and Leno, who could consider a return to Germany despite being older than the other prospects.

Falk also mentioned that former German No 1 Baumann is pursuing a record for most Bundesliga appearances, making him unsuitable for Bayern’s immediate needs.

While English options such as Jordan Pickford and Pope “would make sense”, Bayern are prioritising domestic talent, according to Falk’s comments.

The club’s stance reflects a broader strategy of securing a German goalkeeper who can adapt to Bayern’s hierarchy, a factor that has shaped recent transfer rumours surrounding the Munich giants.