Report: Newcastle United want to replace cup-winner with 21-year-old star

Key Highlights

• For a side chasing consistency and European qualification, lapses at key junctures can derail momentum.
• While Pope has been an important figure under Eddie Howe, the club’s recruitment team appear to be planning for both immediate competition and long term security. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRisser’s Rise in Ligue 1Risser’s numbers demand attention.
• The 21 year old has conceded just 21 goals in 24 league appearances for Lens, keeping nine clean sheets and playing a pivotal role in their unlikely title charge, sitting four points behind Paris Saint-Germain. Photo: IMAGOStanding at 6ft4in, he offers “a commanding presence, quick reactions off his line, and solid distribution”, traits that align neatly with Howe’s preference for proactive goalkeepers comfortable in possession.
• Newcastle have monitored him closely in recent weeks, though Tottenham and Nottingham Forest are also circling. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTEAMtalk add further intrigue, revealing that Spurs are prepared to sell Guglielmo Vicario this summer and want Risser as a replacement.
• Newcastle could yet disrupt those plans. Alternative Targets on the RadarRisser is not alone on the shortlist.