Newcastle United missed out on shot-stopper James Trafford to Manchester City, but a new development will have him questioning why he made the move.
For months, it looked as though the 22-year-old was heading to Tyneside, with Eddie Howe keen to make the deal happen after PSR concerns forced Newcastle United to back out of talks in 2024.
James Trafford joined Manchester City for around £27million in July, but even he thought the situation was going to be different. Before signing for Man City, Trafford was telling people he was joining Newcastle, clearly convinced that the move was bound to happen eventually.
It was also confirmed that Newcastle’s offer for Trafford had been accepted, but Man City had a matching clause, which was included when he left for Burnley in 2023.
Newcastle have signed Aaron Ramsdale on loan, so they have still found a new goalkeeper for next season, but there is a lot of hype around Trafford.
While Trafford settles back into familiar surroundings, a shock new transfer update could leave him wondering why he ended up in Manchester, rather than Newcastle.
Gianluigi Donnarumma during the Club World Cup final between Chelsea and PSG.
Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Manchester City make shock approach for Gianluigi Donnarumma
Unfortunately, any hope of Trafford becoming a first-choice goalkeeper at Man City is quickly being taken away from him, as it has been confirmed that Pep Guardiola has a big admiration for PSG superstar Gianluigi Donnarumma.
PSG recently announced the signing of Lucas Chevalier, a goalkeeper who was on Newcastle’s radar before Ramsdale signed, leaving Donnarumma with a free pass to leave with just a year left on his contract.
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Donnarumma is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but PSG seem more than happy to let him go this summer. There were reports that Manchester United were interested in the shot-stopper, but their local rivals have made the first move to sign him.
It was confirmed by Fabrice Hawkins that Man City are monitoring Donnarumma’s situation in the event that Ederson leaves the club this summer. Reports now suggest that he could sign for Galatasaray, opening the door for Donnarumma’s arrival.
The news is surely a big blow to Trafford, who looked destined to take over from Ederson when he left.
James Trafford may never become first choice at Manchester City
Trafford said he always wanted to return to Man City, but his dreams could soon become a nightmare if Donnarumma signs. At just 26, the Italian has so much more time to develop before he enters his prime, and he will likely not be willing to give up his spot as first-choice goalkeeper for a long time.
He could not have predicted this would happen, but Trafford will surely be wondering if a move to Newcastle would have been better for him.
However, a lot of work needs to be done before Donnarumma signs for Man City. PSG want €50million for Donnarumma, which has already been deemed too high by the Citizens.
🚨 Manchester City made contact with PSG to ask for Donnarumma deal conditions.
Current PSG request around €50m, deemed too high + deal would only be possible if Éderson leaves.
Chelsea are NOT in the race. Gigio will soon clarify his position — info follows @FabriceHawkins. pic.twitter.com/qnD1mV4peq
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 12, 2025
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Additionally, Ederson will have to leave before a deal is feasible. With a year left on his deal, Man City may wait until 2026 to sign the goalkeeper, who was a huge part of PSG’s Champions League win last season.
If Donnarumma does sign for Man City, Newcastle will surely be gutted they were not able to sign Trafford, a player who could soon be forced to watch on from the bench.