Business has picked up at Newcastle United in the transfer window, with deals for Anthony Elanga’s arrival and Sean Longstaff’s departure being worked on.
After a slow start to the summer, fans are finally getting to see what Eddie Howe promised at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
It was clear that Newcastle United needed to be active in the transfer window, and they are doing exactly that after suffering setbacks in the opening weeks. Bryan Mbeumo had shocking wage demands, and a couple of weeks later, it was revealed that Newcastle had missed out on Joao Pedro to Chelsea.
Howe and his recruitment team were clearly unfazed by those setbacks, as it has now been confirmed that Newcastle have agreed a deal to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest. The Magpies are finally getting their hands on a top target after missing out on him in 2024.
The work has not stopped there either. Sean Longstaff is expected to leave Newcastle for Leeds United, so a replacement for him will be needed.
Newcastle have also been heavily linked with a move for James Trafford, but Howe was dealt a blow after a recent update from Burnley’s training ground.
James Trafford smiles during a Championship game between Burnley and Sunderland.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
James Trafford takes Burnley training amid Newcastle United links
Trafford to Newcastle was quoted as nearly ‘done‘ by a journalist in June, but that appears to be far from the case.
Just a couple of hours later, a report emerged saying Newcastle had a £26million bid rejected for Trafford and that the two clubs were still at the negotiation table over a deal. Despite that, Trafford has agreed personal terms with Newcastle, so it is just down to the two clubs to agree on a fee that works.
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Burnley think Trafford will be world-class, so it is evident that they are reluctant to let him go without a fight. In the meantime, Trafford has been pictured back in training with Burnley ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Like all other Premier League clubs, the shot-stopper was due back to training on Monday for pre-season.
However, it could be a case that he is taken out of training in the next week or so if a deal comes to fruition.
Reports suggest that Burnley are looking for over £30m for Trafford this summer as they want to get as close to Manchester City’s buy-back clause as possible.
James Trafford to Newcastle United could be done ‘soon’
Newcastle have several goalkeepers on their books, but some of them will likely be moved on if Trafford signs.
John Ruddy has agreed to a contract extension at Newcastle, and the plan is that the veteran will act as a mentor for Trafford once he signs. Ruddy was signed last summer to set an example in training; he now has the chance to impart his wisdom on a promising young goalkeeper.
The focus over the last week has clearly been on getting the Elanga deal over the line. After that, Newcastle can focus on getting players like Trafford through the door.
According to Mark Douglas of inews, Trafford to Newcastle will be done ‘soon’, so Howe will finally get the goalkeeper he was eager to sign in 2024.
Business has well and truly picked up on Tyneside, and fans are getting excited at the prospect of what can be achieved next season.