The domestic football season may still have another two months of play to go before it reaches its thrilling conclusion, but some players are already looking forward to next season.
One of whom is a reported top target for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, who’s envisioning playing Premier League football next season no matter what.
It’s a welcome sight for Newcastle fans, with a number of European clubs having been linked with their other targets, that this one player in particular has his heart set on the English top flight alone.
Trafford sets sights on top flight
----------------------------------
In a recent interview with Radio Lancashire, Burnley goalkeeper and top Newcastle target James Trafford boldly stated he will be playing Premier League football next season, regardless of how the Clarets end their Championship campaign.
“I believe I’ll be in the Premier League next season,” he declared. “It’s where I want to play, it’s obviously the best league in the world.”
“I wanted to get there as quickly as I could and it took two years on loan to develop. I’ve really enjoyed this season in the Championship, but next season I believe I’ll be playing in the Prem.”
Move already in the pipeline?
-----------------------------
In a potential transfer that’s been brewing for over a year, it is finally looking like James Trafford will swap Turf Moor for Tyneside; at least that’s the view of The Mail’s North East reporter Craig Hope.
Last month, Hope reported that the Magpies had “[extreme confidence](https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2025/02/20/newcastle-set-to-sign-james-trafford-and-lucas-flack-report/)” in wrapping up a long-term agreement with Trafford, whether Burnley are promoted or not.
The 22-year-old from Carlisle is enjoying a career-best season so far, having amassed an amazing 12 clean sheets in a row, keeping Burnley competing with Leeds and Sheffield United for one of the two coveted automatic promotion spots.
A player with character? Or an ego to avoid?
--------------------------------------------
Trafford’s comments, though clearly inspired and showing a commitment to his skills as a goalkeeper, may just rub some fans the wrong way.
The jump between the Championship and the Premier League has never been more apparent than in recent seasons, and it will take some consistently strong performances from Trafford if he is to redeem himself from some errors during Vincent Kompany’s tenure, where the club went straight back down upon promotion last term.
However, with how extensive Eddie Howe and his team are with their scouting, they’ve amassed a nearly flawless track record over the past three and a half years.
Trafford might just have every right to feel confident that he’ll be playing Premier League football and that’s where he deserves to be if he ticks the boxes of Howe and Sporting Director Paul Mitchell in their vision of the club and its future.