The transfer window is officially open and Newcastle are hoping to strike early, with Eddie Howe insisting that ‘speed is key’ in his post-season comments after the final day of 2024/25.
One thing that’s clear if Newcastle’s ongoing pursuit of a goalkeeper; a department where we have plenty of options but not one young, ball-playing stopper who can help this team build from the back in possession.
James Trafford is a long-term target and a new report has explained a transfer domino effect that could see the Burnley No 1 arrive on Tyneside at the expense of Nick Pope.
According to The Mail, Newcastle United have reignited their interest in James Trafford and are ‘expected’ to finally get their man this summer.
They report that Trafford ‘agreed’ to sign at St James’ Park last August only for a deal to fall through, with Burnley eager to keep their star goalkeeper ahead of their push for promotion.
A season later, the Clarets are back in the Premier League and Trafford’s value has almost doubled, but the £30m-rated stopper remains a top target of Eddie Howe’s and a move is ‘expected to be completed’ this summer.
With that in mind, Leeds United are showing interest in Nick Pope and hope to see the 33-year-old arrive at Elland Road should Trafford join Newcastle.
It remains to be seen if Howe will push to keep Pope alongside Trafford, giving him two quality options to fight it out for that No 1 spot, but it will be tough to keep our current goalkeeper happy if a new arrival points to reduced game time over the 2025/26 season.
Like Burnley, Leeds have also returned to the top flight after winning the Championship and look set to bring in a new shot-stopper to replace the error-prone Illan Meslier.
Newcastle United: Wages of Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka and Burnley's James Trafford