James Trafford of Manchester City during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City and Brentford at Etihad Stadium on December 17, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)placeholder image
James Trafford of Manchester City during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City and Brentford at Etihad Stadium on December 17, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United tried to sign James Trafford in the last two summers before he completed a return to Manchester City.
The Magpies came close to signing the 23-year-old from Burnley in both of the last two summer transfer windows after he agreed personal terms over a move.
In June 2024, Trafford was set to sign but a transfer was pulled when Newcastle were forced to sign Odysseas Vlachodimos as part of the PSR swindle with Nottingham Forest that saw Elliot Anderson head in the opposite direction.
Eddie Howe’s side returned for Trafford last summer and eventually agreed a £27million deal, however they were gazumped by Man City after they exercised their matching rights option.
Trafford spent eight years in the Citizens’ academy before he was sold to Burnley for a reported £19m.
Eddie Howe remains a ‘big fan’ of James Trafford
Trafford started the campaign as Pep Guardiola’s number one goalkeeper but the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain has restricted Trafford to just eight appearances in all competitions.
That said, the Cumbria-born shotstopper has started all three of Man City’s Carabao Cup games, meaning he could line up against the Magpies this evening.
When asked about Newcastle’s failed pursuit in Trafford and whether the ship has sailed in terms of a future move, Howe replied: “I think he's a very, very good goalkeeper.
“I'm a big fan of his and I think Manchester City are really in a great position with the two goalkeepers that they have. They've probably got more than that, but the two that have been involved this season are fantastic goalkeepers.
“No, I don't look at it that way. I wish him all the best in his career and if he plays tomorrow, we'll look forward to going up against him.”
Will Newcastle United make another move for James Trafford?
As reported by NewcastleWorld last month, another move for Trafford, although not totally off the cards, seems unlikely for two key reasons.
Firstly, Trafford’s wages are thought to be a potential stumbling block and secondly, the working relationship between Man City and Newcastle behind the scenes is far from cordial, made more complicated by City’s very active interest in Tino Livramento.
Newcastle United current goalkeeping situation
After missing out on Trafford, Newcastle signed Aaron Ramsdale on a season-long loan deal from Southampton, which includes an option make the transfer permanent for £20m in the summer.
Ramsdale has found himself second choice behind Nick Pope but like Trafford has started all three of the Magpies’ Carabao Cup matches this season. He was also the hero in the FA Cup on Saturday after saving three penalties in the 7-6 shootout win over AFC Bournemouth.
So, who will get the nod against Man City? “Yes, we'll see,” Howe replied. “We'll make a decision on that. I'm very happy with both goalkeepers.
“I thought it was a really nice moment for Aaron on Saturday. He had quite a bit to do in the game. I thought he did well. Big penalty saves, big moment. I'm sure that will endear him to everyone connected with the club. I think he enjoys those big battles, so I was delighted for him personally.
“I think Nick's come back into the team and done really well. I think we've got real strength and depth and two great professionals holding such a key position.”
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