Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford could be on the move this summer, with the name of the front-runner in the race between Newcastle United and Aston Villa.
Trafford had great difficulty getting game minutes last season as he returned to the Etihad Stadium in the summer transfer window for Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The 23-year-old only made four appearances in the Premier League, but remained in the starting XI throughout the EFL Cup season and kept a clean sheet in the final game, a 2-0 win against Arsenal.
The Englishman has since jetted off to the World Cup but is not expected to feature again as Jordan Pickford has been Thomas Tuchel’s first choice throughout the group stages and has kept two clean sheets.
In fact, the former Burnley goalkeeper’s career is yet to really take off, despite being hailed as “incredible” by Scott Parker, and he may need to secure a move elsewhere this summer.
Football Fancast Verdict | |
|---|---|
reliability | Newcastle have already strengthened their squad this summer with the signing of Ewen Jaouen from Reims, but given Aaron Ramsdale was a liability for much of last campaign and Nick Pope is attracting widespread interest, another option may be needed. Meanwhile, Aston Villa may need to start thinking about signing Emiliano Martinez to a long-term deal to replace the now 33-year-old. |
finances | Man City are expected to demand between £35m and £40m for the shot-stopper, who earns £50,000-a-week at the Etihad Stadium, making him one of the lowest paid players in the first-team squad. A significant pay rise could therefore tempt the two-cap England international to leave. |
insight | Despite his very irregular appearances last season, the City goalkeeper has shown signs of being a top goalkeeper in the past. During the 2024-25 season, he kept 29 clean sheets in the Championship, tied for the most in the history of the division. |
impact | Given that the reigning EFL Cup and FA Cup champions have already called up Donnarumma, they could probably afford to sign Trafford. Given Jaouen’s arrival means Eddie Howe is very well-stocked in the goalkeeping department, his addition could spell the end for Pope. |
Newcastle are frontrunners in race for James Trafford’s signature
According to a report from Football Insider, Newcastle are in pole position in the race to sign Trafford, with Howe considered to be a “huge fan”, but rivals Aston Villa are said to be interested.
But the Magpies will need to give the 6ft 6in goalkeeper guarantees in terms of game time if they are to get a deal over the line after their disappointing performance against City.
Nick Pope keeps an eye on James Trafford’s movements
Pope has been Howe’s first-choice option between the sticks for quite some time, but he struggled at times last season, sitting on the bench in favor of Ramsdale late in the season.
The 34-year-old only has one year left on his contract at St James’ Park, so a summer move could be ideal for him, and given he is still very young and won the Championship Golden Glove with Burnley, Trafford could be the ideal replacement.
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