The goalkeeper market is in full swing, and now Football Insider reports that Newcastle United are ready to open their wallets for Burnley’s young goalkeeper James Trafford.
The 22-year-old Englishman has had a strong season in the Championship, where he has been a mainstay for Burnley. The club is well placed to move straight back to the Premier League, but regardless of the outcome, Trafford could find themselves in the top flight as early as next season – just in a different shirt.
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James Trafford started out at Manchester City and was bought by Burnley in the summer of 2023 for €17.3 million.
Last summer, Burnley brought in manager Scott Parker, who is now in competition with Leeds and Sheffield United fighting for promotion to the Premier League.
According to sources, Newcastle are willing to pay a significant sum to secure the promising goalkeeper, who has also been on England’s U21 national team. Trafford is considered one of the most exciting young goalkeepers in English football, with good reflexes and impressive play with his feet.
Newcastle are not alone, besides Burnley who are planning to give a better deal in the event of promotion, Everton, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid have also had scouts present at Turf Moor.
Also looking for Calvert-Lewin
Newcastle doesn’t stop there. The same reports indicate that the club also has Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin on their radar.
The 27-year-old striker has an expiring contract in the summer, and with Everton’s financial struggles, it could be a reasonable signing for a club like Newcastle, who have to balance the Financial Fair Play rules themselves.
Calvert-Lewin has been a key player for Everton in recent years, but has also struggled with injuries. If he can stay injury-free, he could be a good alternative to Newcastle, who need depth in their attacking line.
- Goalkeeping competition: If Trafford is signed, he will likely compete with Nick Pope for the place between the sticks.
- Attacking reinforcement: Calvert-Lewin could become a physical and Aryan force in Eddie Howe’s system, either as first choice or backup to Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.
Newcastle have been cautious in the transfer market in recent windows, but now it looks like they are ready to write big checks to strengthen their squad for next season.
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