James Trafford has again been linked with a move to Newcastle United this summer - and the Burnley man has been far from quiet about his desire to play Premier League football.
Trafford conceded just 16 goals in 45 Championship appearances last term, keeping 29 clean sheets in the process under former Magpies midfielder Scott Parker. That form has earned Trafford a call-up to the senior England team and whilst he still awaits his first ever cap, it seems only a matter of time before he is pushing for a start under Thomas Tuchel.
Whilst Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League means they have a very good foundation at the negotiation table if they receive any bids for their number one this summer, Newcastle United have had Trafford listed as a target for a number of months and a recent update from Sky Sports has claimed that they are again ready to move for him this summer.
Sky Sports’ James Trafford transfer claim
According to Sky Sports, Newcastle United are currently ‘in talks’ with Burnley over a move for Trafford this summer. They report that Burnley value Trafford at £30m and that he will move to St James’ Park to compete with Nick Pope for a starting spot.
After finishing fifth in the Premier League, Newcastle will play Champions League football next season and will need to strengthen both the quality and depth of options available to Eddie Howe if they are to compete both domestically and in Europe. Newcastle’s current goalkeeping department, meanwhile, is currently made up of five senior goalkeepers with Pope, Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie all contracted to the club.
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Gillespie has been granted an extension to his current deal, whilst the Magpies are in talks with Ruddy over a potential extension as well. Vlachodimos, though, is not believed to be part of Howe’s plans in the first-team and could be allowed to leave this summer if an acceptable bid is made for his services.
James Trafford on ‘failed’ Newcastle United 2024 move
Speaking recently on Fozcast alongside former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster, Trafford addressed a failed transfer last summer - without explicitly naming Newcastle United: “In the summer [2024], I wanted to move because the club I was close to going to was a good fit for me at the time.
“It was brilliant for me, I really believed in it and I really wanted the move. Not because I didn't want to play in the Championship, I had no shame or no ego to be like 'I'm better than Championship,' you only prove you're better than something by performing and showing people.
“It was just when the opportunity and a situation you believe suits you can happen, you should take it and you should go for it. So I wanted to move and it was close but it didn't end up happening. The manager [Scott Parker] was brilliant with me throughout pre-season because I was obviously moody because I wanted to move.”
James Trafford on Premier League ambitions
As mentioned, Trafford played a key role for Burnley last season as they secured promotion back to the top-flight at the first time of asking. After a difficult first campaign in the Premier League a year previous, a solid season of second-tier football may have been a blessing in disguise for Trafford as he looks to establish himself as a Premier League player - and maybe even threaten Jordan Pickford for international starts.
Many may have written Trafford off after conceding 62 goals in 28 Premier League games two seasons ago, but that didn’t damage Trafford’s confidence and belief that he would return to the top-flight. Speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire in April, Trafford said: “I believe I’ll be in the Premier League next season.
“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.”
James Trafford on adapting to Premier League life
Whilst the 22-year-old now has the statistics to back up his belief that he can be a regular Premier League number one, it wasn’t always easy for him. Burnley’s season in the top-flight under Vincent Kompany saw them ship 78 goals as the Belgian’s insistence on playing out from the back made the Clarets an easy target for seasoned Premier League opponents.
Trafford, like many of his teammates, was new to the Premier League and admitted just a few months into the campaign that life had been ‘tough’ as they adapted to the demands of Premier League football.
“I’m under no illusion it’s been tough,” Trafford said. “Especially the first few games. They were extremely tough.
“It was completely new to us but as every game has gone on I’d like to think I’ve been getting better and better quite quickly. I feel I belong in this league and in this position I’ve been in.”
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