Newcastle United latest news: James Trafford’s move to Manchester City has taken a major twist amid news that Gianluigi Donnarumma is wanted by the Citizens.
Newcastle United were linked with a move for James Trafford for the best part of a year, but couldn’t get a deal over the line for the former Burnley man before Manchester City swooped for his signature. Trafford had been the subject of a number of bids from Tyneside, including one totalling £27m that was accepted by the Turf Moor outfit.
However, because of a clause in the deal that saw Trafford join Burnley from City back in 2023, the Citizens were able to match that bid and ultimately swoop to sign Trafford from under Newcastle United’s noses. Following that rejection, the Magpies moved to sign Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale on an initial loan deal that could be turned into a permanent move come the end of the season.
Trafford, meanwhile, returned to the Etihad Stadium with a view of challenging Ederson for a starting spot and eventually overtaking him as the club’s number one. The Brazilian had been linked with a move to Turkey earlier this window whilst deputy Stefan Ortega is expected to leave this summer - seemingly leaving Trafford in a perfect position to become Pep Guardiola’s first-choice goalkeeper for a number of years to come.
However, fresh transfer reports have put that vision in doubt and could deliver a significant blow to Trafford’s hopes of being Man City’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Manchester City transfer developments
Various reports have hinted that PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donarumma could be on his way to the Etihad Stadium this summer. Despite playing a crucial role in helping PSG win the Champions League last season, the Italian international’s future in the French capital has been thrown into doubt following the arrival of Lucas Chevalier.
Following that move, Donnarumma and his representatives have pushed for a move away from the club and despite interest from Manchester United, it is their city rivals that are progressing on a move. According to the Evening Standard, City and the player have agreed personal terms ahead of a move and now just need to come to an agreement with PSG to seal the transfer.
Donnarumma, unsettled after falling down the pecking order at the Parc des Princes, will likely only move to City if he is given assurances that he will be Guardiola’s first-choice. Aged just 26, Donnarumma also has plenty of time left in football and could be first-choice at City for another decade to come.
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All of this leaves Trafford in somewhat of a predicament. The England Under-21 international would have challenged Nick Pope at St James’ Park before eventually replacing him as number one, potentially as early as this season.
Whilst that was envisioned for him at the Etihad Stadium, it now seems as though he will not only have to push Ederson for a starting spot, but also Donnarumma, a man just four years his senior. Trafford, of course, will back his ability to do that and after a stunning season with Burnley in the Championship, will have every confidence of giving Guardiola a major headache to consider this season.
What would have happened had he moved to St James’ Park this summer will forever be a mystery.
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