James Trafford remains a Newcastle United transfer target.
Trafford was strongly linked with a move to Newcastle United last summer but ultimately remained at Burnley despite their relegation from the Premier League.
During the 2024/25 season, the 22-year-old rose to prominence again and established himself as one of the Championship’s best players. The goalkeeper was excellent as the Clarets won promotion under Scott Parker, conceding only 16 goals in 45 games.
Newcastle want to sign a new goalkeeper this summer despite the fact they already have a number of them on their books.
In fact, Newcastle will make a bid for Trafford, who seems to know all about their interest by now. Indeed, back in February, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Trafford has agreed personal terms with Newcastle.
An update has now emerged ahead of the opening of the summer transfer window, too.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
James Trafford price tag revealed
According to journalist Joel Bland on social media platform X, Burnley will demand upwards of £30million for the former Manchester City youngster.
Newcastle are expected to have £150million to spend this summer, so could theoretically afford to pay that.
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However, it remains to be seen if Eddie Howe wants to blow a sizeable part of that on a goalkeeper who may not instantly start for the team considering the form Nick Pope displayed towards the end of the season just finished.
What James Trafford wants to join Newcastle United
Trafford is open to joining Newcastle, having come close to doing so last summer.
Still, the club may have to bow to some fairly big demands if they are to land him.
Trafford wants first-team football to join Newcastle, which is not an easy thing to absolutely guarantee.
Games Goals Conceded Save percentage Clean sheet percentage
45 16 84.5% 64.4%
James Trafford’s stats for Burnley, data via FBREF
Pope was excellent towards the end of the season. To instantly drop him just because a new signing arrives would feel like a ruthless call.
At some point, there may need to be a changing of the guard. Still, to completely remove Pope from the first-team picture because of a guarantee given to another player does not seem wise for the harmony of the squad.