Chelsea will reportedly compete with Newcastle United to sign 22-year-old English goalkeeper James Trafford from incoming Premier League club Burnley this summer.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, James Trafford is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are scouring the market for a goalkeeper heading into the summer transfer window amid Robert Sanchez’s frustrating performances. So, the Burnley goalkeeper has emerged as a target for the West London club, with Zion Suzuki another option for them.
The incoming Premier League club will demand around £40 million to part ways with the English shot-stopper in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Trafford is also a target for Newcastle United, with the Tyneside outfit pursuing his signature for nearly a year.
The soaring stock of James Trafford
James Trafford has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in his homeland since joining Burnley from Manchester City in July 2023. A native of Greysouthen, the young shot-stopper passed through the academies at Cockermouth FC and Carlisle United before graduating from the youth division at Manchester City.
The 22-year-old endured a trial by fire in his debut season with Burnley but has been excellent in the ongoing campaign. The English goalkeeper has kept 29 clean sheets in 45 EFL Championship outings while conceding only 16 goals, with his exploits helping Burnley secure promotion to the Premier League. The youngster’s exploits have piqued the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United and Chelsea.
A big move on the horizon?
James Trafford has been on Newcastle United’s radar for a long time. The continued interest is understandable, considering Nick Pope has struggled with fitness issues this season. In addition, Martin Dubravka will likely depart from St. James’ Park in the summer transfer window. So, the Burnley goalkeeper is a viable target for Newcastle United.
As for Chelsea, Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have blown hot and cold this season, failing to stake claim to the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper’s berth. So, the Blues have set their sights on several goalkeepers, including Zion Suzuki, with Trafford also a viable target. Meanwhile, Burnley will demand a sizeable fee for the Englishman, who will cost £40 million.
The incoming Premier League club’s price of £40 million makes him an affordable target for Chelsea and Newcastle United. It will be interesting to see if the two English giants launch the offensive to sign the 22-year-old English goalkeeper in the summer transfer window.