Alan Shearer mentioned Newcastle United in a discussion about Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford following his error against Tottenham Hotspur.
As far as weekends go, the 22-year-old will be keen to forget this one in a hurry.
James Trafford’s error led to Manchester City losing 2-0 to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday afternoon. The former Burnley man calmly played the ball to his team-mate inside the area, only for it to be quickly snuffed out by a Spurs player who slotted home.
It was a minor blip in what will surely be a successful career, but he must learn from the mistake, which effectively cost his new club at least a point. Trafford was of serious interest to Newcastle United this summer, with the Magpies making multiple bids which were knocked back.
Newcastle eventually had a bid accepted for Trafford, but Man City held matching rights on their former player and took the opportunity to sign him. Trafford would have battled with Nick Pope for the No.1 spot at Newcastle, with the intention of bringing the England international in when the time was right.
In the end, Newcastle settled on Aaron Ramsdale, who has experience playing in the Champions League. With Trafford a big talking point over the weekend, Alan Shearer has weighed in on his transfer decision.
James Trafford looks on during a Premier League game between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Alan Shearer questions why James Trafford chose Man City over Newcastle United
Trafford was telling people he was joining Newcastle, but ultimately ended up at Man City, his former club. A nightmare weekend only got worse for the shot-stopper after reports that Man City had agreed personal terms with Gianluigi Donnarumma of PSG – arguably one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
The deal is not done, but Man City are hoping to get it over the line before the transfer window closes on September 1, though it depends on the future of Ederson.
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Trafford has been given the backing of Guardiola by being thrown straight into the starting lineup, but he could soon find himself relegated to the bench if Donnarumma arrives.
On The Rest is Football podcast, Newcastle legend Shearer weighed in on Trafford choosing Man City over other interested parties.
“On another subject for him, it’s a huge call choosing Manchester City,” he said.
“We don’t know why or in terms of talks and who he had as options. I know he had options at Newcastle, but for whatever reason, he chose to go back to Man City.
“Can you imagine if Donnarumma signs for Man City? Because (Trafford’s) not gonna play ahead of him.”
James Trafford could end up regretting failed Newcastle United move if Gianluigi Donnarumma signs
Shearer has got it spot on with Trafford, and is right to question the transfer decision. It is tough to know what input he had on the deal going through with Man City having matching rights, but the move could come back to haunt him if they manage to get the Donnarumma deal over the line.
Newcastle have their new goalkeeper, though they would have preferred to have Trafford, who was their top target. Trafford may be left wondering why he did not join Newcastle over his former club.
Trafford would not have been given the early-season starts he has got at Man City had he joined Newcastle. Eddie Howe would have likely taken a more calculated approach and brought him in when he knew he was ready.
Donnarumma is only 26, so he could end up being Man City’s starting goalkeeper for the next several years if the deal goes through. The Italian is coming off the back of a sensational season with PSG where they won the Champions League and reached the finals of the Club World Cup, so he will not be willing to sit on the bench over Trafford.
Perhaps a deal for Trafford to join Newcastle will arise in the future, but for now, he may be left wondering what could have been on Tyneside.