Newcastle United appear to have made a major breakthrough in their pursuit of Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford after he agreed personal terms earlier this week.
The Magpies have already welcomed their first summer signing in Antonio Cordero, and have recently confirmed that young striker Alfie Hutchison is joining from Rangers.
Now, there looks to be a serious breakthrough between Newcastle United and Burnley for goalkeeper James Trafford. The Magpies wanted a new goalkeeper this summer, despite having several already on their books – Eddie Howe looked straight to Trafford.
Other goalkeepers have been named as targets in recent weeks, but Trafford was the only player who looked like a realistic option. Newcastle agreed personal terms with Trafford earlier this week, but the transfer fee looked to be a stumbling block between the two clubs.
Newcastle had a £25m bid rejected for Trafford, but now journalist Luke Edwards has shared a short message which has signalled a major boost in their long-running chase for the England international.
James Trafford celebrates during a game between Burnley and Sheffield United.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
James Trafford to Newcastle United as good as done says Luke Edwards
It has been almost two years since the Magpies made a major signing for the starting XI, but now that streak could be over.
Nick Pope told Trafford he would see him soon in a since-deleted social media comment, but now that statement appears to be true as Newcastle have pushed forward in their efforts to sign him.
According to Edwards of the Telegraph, Trafford to Newcastle is now a formality, with a deal believed to be as good as done.
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Speaking on the social media platform X, Edwards said: “Hearing James Trafford to Newcastle is pretty much done.”
It is a significant breakthrough for Newcastle, who look like they have finally landed the goalkeeper they missed out on in 2024. That deal breaking down could be a blessing in disguise, as Trafford has now had another season in the Championship to improve and get ready for life in the Premier League.
Newcastle United’s last signing for the starting XI after James Trafford breakthrough
Trafford has titled himself as ‘world-class’. It is a big title to live up to but one Newcastle fans will back him to do. Signing Trafford will no doubt be a big weight off the shoulders of Newcastle fans and Howe’s recruitment team, who have been hard at work trying to make deals happen after so long without improving the starting XI.
To find the last player to come into the starting XI, you need to go back to 2023 when Lewis Hall joined on loan. The young left-back was brilliant in his first season with the Magpies, especially towards the end. His form earned him a permanent move to Tyneside and a place in Howe’s starting XI every week.
That deal cost Newcastle around £28m, which could be around the same fee the Magpies are paying for Trafford if they are lucky.
Newcastle fans now eagerly await the official post confirming that the goalkeeper has signed. After that, there is no doubt Howe’s recruitment team will be fully focused on improving other areas of Newcastle’s first-team squad.