Newcastle United star's Celtic transfer chances assessed as Toon 'willing to sanction' switch amid wages issue
The Newcastle United man has been linked with a Celtic transfer.
A Celtic move for a Newcastle United star could hinge on a wages issue that’s emerged after Champions League woe.
The Hoops are looking to do some more transfer business before this summer’s deadline but letting a four-goal lead against LASK in the play-off round slip could cost them dearly. Celtic now have Europa League football in the league phase rather than Champions League action after a 5-4 aggregate loss and a pursuit of Nick Pope could come into that.
Out of favour at the Toon, the capped England international goalkeeper looks likely to move on. Martin O’Neill is seeking a new shot-stopper at Parkhead to help push Viljami Sinisalo and the Newcastle United veteran has been touted as one option. FourFourTwo suggest that wages may be a problem as missing out on top table European funds makes the Premiership champions rethink their strategy.
What Newcastle United player could join Celtic?
It’s claimed: “Doubt has been cast on Newcastle United’s anticipated sale of Nick Pope following a disastrous European night for Scottish champions Celtic. The Bhoys' failure to secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League league phase this season has somewhat altered their financial outlook in the final days of the summer transfer window, placing Pope’s proposed move to Parkhead on the brink of collapse.
“Under UEFA’s prize money distribution framework, reaching the Champions League league phase guarantees a club an automatic starting fee of €18.62m (£15.7m). However, participation in the Europa League pays out just €4.31m (£3.6m) by comparison, representing a revenue deficit of €14.31m (£12.1m).
“This financial shortfall could leave last season's Scottish Premiership winners struggling to justify the expenditure required to land veteran goalkeeper Pope. FourFourTwo understands Nick Pope's Newcastle deal saw the England goalkeeper remunerated increasingly year-on-year, meaning his current earnings are likely to surpass Celtic's current wage structure.
Viljami Sinisalo on Celtic exit from Champions League
“While Newcastle remain willing to sanction the move to streamline their own goalkeeping department, Celtic may not be able to comfortably accommodate Pope’s Premier League salary without a financial safety net of Champions League football.”
Sinisalo said of the Champions League exit: "It's very hard for me to come here and explain that. I'll try and explain it because I don't think the people coming here deserve that. Obviously it's unacceptable and we're all speechless about what's just happened. I walked into a changing room that was silent, together, but it's a tough moment for everyone. Individually and collectively, probably the toughest moment of our careers. The only way of getting over that is sticking together and going again on Saturday. People don't necessarily want to hear that, I would hate to be hearing that if I was a fan, but ultimately that's the reality."