James Trafford is on the radar of Newcastle United but is the keeper worth £40million
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Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford(Image: Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Newcastle United's chase of James Trafford may rumble on into the summer as the Magpies weigh up bringing the goalkeeper to St James' Park - a year after they nearly succeeded in doing so.
In the end, the deal did not happen and Trafford stayed at Burnley - helping them return to the Premier League by winning the Championship. The 22-year-old kept a record-equalling 29 clean sheets as the Clarets won promotion - reigniting United's interest in the stopper.
Reports claim Burnley want £40million for the former Man City goalkeeper and while United are keen to bring in someone to rival No 1, Nick Pope, splashing such a fee on Trafford isn't an attractive proposition for everyone.
On this week's Monday Show, via The Everything is Black and White Podcast, hosts Andrew Musgrove and Aaron Stokes discuss Newcastle's interest in Trafford.
Is James Trafford really worth £40m?
If Newcastle United were to match Burnley's reported asking price, Trafford would become football's fourth most expensive goalkeeper of all time.
Kepa Arrizabalaga tops the list costing Chelsea £71.6 million back in 2018, with Alisson's move to Liverpool, and Andre Onana's transfer to Manchester United making up the rest of the top three.
Trafford had a tremendous 2024-2025 and on the back of it, Newcastle United Editor Aaron Stokes feels that the price tag may be justified.
"You could make an argument that James Trafford is in today's market is worth £40million. I think the real question is whether Newcastle at this stage of the summer, with all the targets that they're looking at, with all the outfield positions they want to strengthen, can they afford to spend £40million on a position where [people will ask] do they really need to strengthen?
"But I think just on the question of is he worth it, I would suggest maybe. He's 22 and has a long career ahead of him as a goalkeeper. He's coming off one of the best Championship seasons we've ever seen. Newcastle have admired him for a while and he is an England international.
"He ticks a lot of boxes - and is brilliant with a ball at his feet.
"I think a lot of fans listening to this will think £40million is too much, but I think they may be thinking that because of the context of this summer and what Newcastle have got to spend."
But are there concerns over Trafford?
Trafford's debut season in the Premier League didn't quite go to plan - he played 28 times and kept just two clean sheets as Burnley conceded 62 goals with him in net.
The Clarets' then manager, Vincent Kompany dropped Trafford from his XI - with the Carlisle born stopper benched for the final 10 games of the campaign as Burnley were relegated to The Championship. It's that top flight campaign that worries podcast host Andrew Musgrove.
"My concern is because he had such a shocker the first time around in the Premier League, does a brilliant campaign in the Championship where he's broken all sorts of records mean he's ready to be No 1 in the Premier League?
"I hope so, just for the lad in general, let alone being Newcastle's No 1, but I hope so. And I hope even more, especially if Newcastle splash that money on him.
"It would be a big blow to Burnley if they lost Trafford, so you can understand why they're asking so much.
"If Newcastle United have done their homework and they think he is good enough to be Newcastle United No 1 and they can get eight to 10 years service out of him, which isn't out of the question, then actually £40m would be an absolute bargain.
"But it's just that question mark over is he Premier League ready?”
Would Trafford come in as No 1?
Newcastle have arguably the best shot-stopper in the Premier League, in Nick Pope. The 33-year-old has been instrumental in United reaching The Champions League and winning the League Cup.
However, his time at Newcastle has not been without criticism - namely over his ability to use the ball at his feet, and that is why Trafford is so well liked.
But would Trafford arrive at St James' Park and be handed the No 1 spot?
"I think a lot of people would make the argument that Newcastle will be absolutely fine going in to another season with Nick Pope as Newcastle's No 1," Stokes added.
"There's no suggestion that, or there's no certainty that if James Trafford did come in, he would instantly replace Nick Pope as the club's out-and-out No 1.
"I certainly think it would be a battle between the two to start with."
You can listen to the full episode of The Monday Show by clicking here to watch it via YouTube or here to listen through your podcast provider.