‘Ridiculous’: Paul Merson says Newcastle have made a better signing than Erling Haaland under Eddie Howe

Add as preferred source on Google

Paul Merson says the deal which has taken Nick Pope to Newcastle is better than Manchester City’s capture of Erling Haaland.

Merson ranked the confirmed signings of the summer for SportsKeeda and had Pope’s arrival at St James’ Park in second place.

He put Haaland’s move to City in third, despite all the hype and excitement which has surrounded the long anticipated deal.

Merson clearly thinks Newcastle have grabbed a bargain under Eddie Howe, and says that Pope will earn Newcastle points next term.

Nick Pope ranked above Haaland

“Nick Pope is a top goalkeeper, it’s ridiculous that Newcastle United got a player of his calibre for as little as £10 million,” he said.

“If Jordan Pickford hadn’t done so well for Everton at the business end of last season, you could’ve argued that there is much between him and Pope – that’s how good a player the former Burnley man is.

“Eddie Howe is looking to build a team that can compete in the Premier League. It could take them five to six years, but they are doing a steady job and not splashing £100 million on a player just for the sake of it – they are learning to walk before they can run.

“If they can get 10th place and probably win one of the domestic cups, that would be a fantastic season for Newcastle. Pope will save them points and is a top, top goalkeeper for their project.”

Some Newcastle fans may even say their new man is better than Pickford, especially given his previous connections to Sunderland.

Newcastle have made a clear upgrade between the sticks with a proven international who will take them to the next level.

Is it a better deal than Haaland? If the Norwegian wins City the Champions League, that will be up for debate, but the two clubs are aiming for different things next season.