Eddie Howe didn’t hide his frustration after Newcastle’s rough 3-2 loss to Everton. He admitted they just couldn’t get Nick Woltemade involved; he barely touched the ball before Howe pulled him off after only 25 minutes up front.

Woltemade, the club’s £69 million signing, started in midfield, but it just didn’t click. He got shifted into attack in the second half, but that didn’t work either. After just 14 touches, Howe went back to Anthony Gordon leading the line.

Asked about Woltemade’s quiet night, Howe told Chronicle Live, “We moved things around trying to find a spark. Honestly, we didn’t start well and gave up an early goal. The guys needed new energy, especially after halftime, which was our best spell. But with Nick, we just couldn’t get him on the ball enough, even after moving him up front. He wasn’t getting touches or really getting involved near the goal. That’s why I had to make those changes.”

Now Newcastle’s Premier League season is in real trouble. They’re 12 points off the Champions League spots and fighting just to reach the Europa Conference League unless they pull off something big in the FA Cup or Champions League.

Howe owned up to the team’s slump. “Yeah, in the Premier League, our form just hasn’t been good enough for a while. We know it, and we take responsibility. It’s really frustrating. That’s part of playing in Europe, but we’ve tried to go all-in on every game and treat them all as important. With so many games, though, focus slips. Our league results lately just haven’t been anywhere near what they used to be. Home form used to be so reliable, but that’s dropped off too. We need to get that back fast. St James’ Park should be where we collect the most points, the place where players feel free to play. Lately, that just hasn’t happened.”

Howe even ended up taking Gordon off, which didn’t go over well; some boos rang out after Gordon lost the ball and Everton scored the winner.

“I honestly didn’t notice that,” Howe said, about the crowd’s reaction. “But when that happens, we’ve got to stick together. I’ll back him, and I hope the fans do too.”

Newcastle United’s recruitment team is gearing up for one of the biggest shake-ups in Eddie Howe’s time at the club. According to iNews, they’re after two new goalkeepers this summer, and with up to three keepers possibly heading out, it’s clear Newcastle wants real stability and a long-term fix between the posts.

The people running things at St James’ Park have known for a while that they need to plan for life after Nick Pope. He’s been solid, no question about it. He’s still Howe’s No 1 and a leader in the dressing room, but at 33, you can’t keep putting off the future.

Looking at Pope’s Successor

Back in 2024, Newcastle tried to bring in serious competition for Pope. They chased James Trafford twice but couldn’t get it done. Trafford, who’s at Manchester City, looked set to move north at one point and isn’t exactly thrilled with his situation at City. That’s got people talking again, but those in the know say it’s a tricky deal.

There’s a lot to figure out fee, wages, and whether everyone’s actually on board. It’s not easy. Newcastle knows they need value for money and can’t afford another mistake in a market where good goalkeepers are hard to find.

Aaron Ramsdale came in on loan for £4 million, and his wages are hefty. He’s done his job, even picking up a Champions League win against Qarabag, showing he’s a pro. Still, it feels like he’s a stopgap, not the long-term answer.

Looking Across Europe

The i Paper says Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen is in the mix, though Chelsea and Bayern Munich are watching him too. Newcastle is looking far and wide for a young keeper who fits Howe’s system and can really grow into the role.

Robin Roefs and Senne Lammens are names that show how much talent is out there beyond the usual markets. Newcastle’s recruitment team doesn’t want to get stuck looking in just one direction.

Maybe the answer is already on the books. Odysseas Vlachodimos, signed for £20 million, has impressed on loan at Sevilla. Sevilla would love to keep him, but sources say that’s pretty much impossible Newcastle only pays 20 percent of his wages, and Sevilla can’t afford to match that long-term.

Strategy, Money, and Next Steps

Vlachodimos has said he’s happy to come back, telling The i Paper in December he’d be up for it. But inside the club, he’s not seen as the future. His transfer happened because of PSR rules and questions around Martin Dubravka.

This summer is different. Newcastle wants to sort this out properly. The plan is simple: make the next investment in goal a permanent one.

Top clubs have to be patient and get these big calls right. Newcastle’s progress so far has depended on that. Now, the goalkeeper spot is right at the heart of keeping that progress going. In a league where tiny details decide everything, having a rock-solid keeper is invaluable.

Our Take (Stadiumnest)

Nick Pope has been brilliant brave, quick off his line, and clutch when it matters. But everyone gets it: sentiment can’t be the only thing guiding decisions at this level. At his age, planning ahead just makes sense.

The Trafford rumors will fire up plenty of fans. He’s young, English, ambitious, good with his feet he ticks a lot of boxes for a long-term signing. But hearing it’s “complicated” is a red flag. Nobody wants another transfer saga that drags on and goes nowhere.

Verbruggen is interesting for different reasons. He fits Howe’s style, and his age fits the club’s vision. The idea of finding the next star before he peaks really connects with supporters.

And with Vlachodimos, Newcastle needs to be smart. If his loan boosts his value, great that’s just good business. The club’s whole approach in the market has been about patience and getting it right. Fans are looking for the next big call in goal to be bold and sustainable, so when Newcastle gets their shot at silverware, they’re ready.