James Trafford could be in for a shock setback shortly after joining Manchester City, despite Newcastle United’s interest
Before Aaron Ramsdale arrived on Tyneside, the Magpies were seriously interested in signing James Trafford, who was coming off the back of a sensational season with Burnley.
The 22-year-old kept a record number of clean sheets in the Championship, helping the Clarets return to the Premier League at the first time of asking. Trafford confirmed he would be playing Premier League football one way or another this season, and would have done so if he decided to stay at Burnley.
After a successful debut last week, Trafford had a nightmare game for Manchester City against Tottenham Hotspur, conceding twice in the first half. The second goal came from his wayward pass inside the area, making Newcastle fans wonder if they had dodged a bullet.
Trafford will no doubt perform at his best after the blip, but recent transfer news has given him another concern.
Gianluigi Donnarumma salutes the supporters following the Ligue 1 McDonald's football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and SCO Angers.
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Gianluigi Donnarumma agrees personal terms with Man City
Trafford joined Man City earlier this summer, despite serious interest from Newcastle United. When his move was confirmed, Trafford said he always wanted to join Man City, despite the fact he had been telling people that he was going to sign for Newcastle.
Oasis star Noel Gallagher thinks Trafford is ‘unflappable‘, but the Man City man will hope fans don’t look back in anger at his mistake at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
The 22-year-old will most likely be favoured over Ederson between the sticks by Pep Guardiola in their next game against Brighton next week, but a recent social media post from Fabrizio Romano suggests he could already be taken out of the starting lineup.
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On X, Romano said that PSG shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma has agreed personal terms with Man City following Luis Enrique’s decision to sell him this summer.
Romano added that negotiations are underway between Man City and PSG, with a fee of less than €50m (£43.3m) being discussed.
However, the deal depends on whether Ederson leaves the Citizens this summer. Reports suggest that Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray are interested in the 32-year-old.
🚨 Gigio Donnarumma has agreed on personal terms with Manchester City, keen on joining Pep Guardiola.
Negotiations are also underway between Man City & PSG, fee will be under initial €50m request.
❗️ Deal still depends on Éderson exit this summer, with Galatasaray still keen. pic.twitter.com/4HYxRZsTRs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 24, 2025
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The news comes after reports that Man City were in talks for Donnarumma, so a deal could be done before the transfer window closes.
James Trafford can learn from Gianluigi Donnarumma at Man City
While Donnarumma is only four years his senior, Trafford can undoubtedly learn a lot from the Italian, who has played in his fair share of finals for club and country.
The 26-year-old is coming off the back of a Champions League-winning season with PSG, so it will be a great coup for Man City if they can pull the deal off.
Trafford is one of many players Newcastle have missed out on, but unlike Joao Pedro and Benjamin Sesko, Newcastle were able to sign an alternative in Ramsdale, who impressed in his debut against Espanyol earlier this month.
However, Newcastle will be feeling like they missed out on a top-quality player who has a very bright future ahead of him.