Newcastle United join race for Ligue 1 sensation Robin Risser | OneFootball

Newcastle United are ramping up their efforts to secure a deal for RC Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser, according to Sky Sports.

Manager Eddie Howe is looking to overhaul his goalkeeping department ahead of next season, and Risser is on his radar.

The 21-year-old Frenchman has played a pivotal role in Lens’ unexpected title challenge against Paris Saint-Germain and has proven to be a shrewd investment since his €3 million move from Strasbourg.

Newcastle’s pursuit of Risser comes as scrutiny over Nick Pope continues to increase.

While Pope has been a cornerstone of the post-takeover era, a string of high-profile errors in 2026 – most notably in a recent 3-2 defeat to Everton – has accelerated Newcastle’s search for a long-term successor.

Risser offers the physical presence Howe demands, combined with superior distribution skills that the Magpies’ current options have occasionally lacked.

He has kept 10 clean sheets and conceded just 23 goals in 26 Ligue 1 appearances this season. He averaged 2.5 saves per game at 73.9 percent, the second-highest in the division.

His sweeper-keeper tendencies and composure under pressure have also attracted serious interest from Tottenham Hotspur, who reportedly view Risser as a potential replacement for Guglielmo Vicario.

With Lens set to secure Champions League football for next season, they are reluctant to lose one of their most important players and are expected to demand around €40m to sanction his departure.