Newcastle United are back at the table for James Trafford. The 23-year-old Manchester City goalkeeper, who slipped through Newcastle’s fingers last summer, is once again the club’s primary target to solve their long-term goalkeeping question.
The one that got away, and why he might come back
Newcastle first zeroed in on Trafford during his time at Burnley, tabling a bid of around £31M to bring him to St James’ Park. That deal looked close to done. Then Manchester City activated a buy-back clause, swooping in and signing Trafford back for an effective fee of £27M in July 2025.
Trafford put pen to paper on a five-year contract with City on July 29, 2025. With Gianluigi Donnarumma firmly entrenched as City’s number one, Trafford has spent most of his time since the move warming the bench. Trafford has reportedly indicated he doesn’t want to remain a second-choice goalkeeper.
Newcastle’s goalkeeper chess match
