Report: 25-year-old who wanted Newcastle move has now signed for Nottingham Forest

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Earlier in the transfer window, it was said that Dean Henderson wanted to leave Manchester United for Newcastle.

Ultimately, a deal was never agreed between the Red Devils and the Magpies, and Eddie Howe went on to sign Nick Pope from Burnley instead.

Now, Nottingham Forest have announced the signing of Henderson on a season-long loan.

What’s the story?

Well, if the stories were true, then a move to the City Ground wasn’t the 25-year-old’s first choice, although we believe it will be a fantastic deal for all parties.

Steve Cooper gets himself a solid glovesman who – as he showed at Sheffield United – is capable of performing among the very best goalkeepers in the Premier League.

In Henderson’s case, he is set to receive weekly starts in England’s top-flight, after Nottingham Forest’s No.1 Brice Samba decided he wants to leave.

That can only be a good thing for his development, and if all goes well, he could even force himself back into the England squad ahead of the World Cup in November.

So far, Gareth Southgate has given Henderson one cap for the Three Lions, which came in a friendly against the Republic of Ireland back in 2020.

Newcastle outdo Nottingham Forest

In our view, as talented as Henderson is, Newcastle have made the better signing in Pope.

For a start, the Magpies have signed the 30-year-old permanently, so they will not have to worry about any loan deal expiring and what comes after that, like Nottingham Forest do.

Additionally, Pope has been a Premier League regular for Burnley across a number of years now, keeping 47 clean sheets in England’s top-flight while also winning eight caps for England along the way.

At the age of 30, he will be coming into his prime as a goalkeeper, so Howe has managed to find himself a total bargain at the price of just £10m.

Barring any shocks, the Magpies have their No.1 position sorted for at least the next four years.

In Paul Merson’s eyes, it’s even a better deal than Manchester City’s signing of Erling Haaland.