- Newcastle United reinitiate contact for James Trafford
- England goalkeeper currently second choice at Manchester City
- Magpies have already signed Ewen Jaouen
Newcastle United are set to be one of the busiest clubs in the summer transfer window as they aim to fine-tune their squad.
After signing Ewen Jaouen and making a move for Victor Munoz, David Ornstein has confirmed that the Magpies have now rekindled their efforts to sign James Trafford.
Eddie Howe wanted to sign the England goalkeeper last summer before his move to Manchester City, after which they settled for the loan signing of Aaron Ramsdale.
With Nick Pope’s Newcastle United future uncertain and the likes of Ramsdale and John Ruddy having gone, the need for another top goalkeeper at the club is of paramount importance.
Newcastle United in contact with James Trafford
Trafford showed his class for Manchester City in the limited game time he got last season and played a pivotal role in their Carabao Cup triumph.
However, he is behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in the pecking order and that is likely to be the case under Enzo Maresca, whose impending arrival at the Etihad Stadium will be confirmed this month.
According to The Athletic, Trafford wants to resolve his future after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after interest from Newcastle United.
However, the two clubs remain in contact as the Magpies don’t want to leave it late, as was the case last season when they missed out on him and other key transfer targets.
The report also mentions that there are no formal negotiations at this stage, although that could change in the coming weeks as Newcastle have stepped up their interest and want to get a deal done.
Trafford could be Magpies’ most important signing
A reliable goalkeeper is worth his weight in gold in the Premier League and the Magpies are heavily lacking in this department.
Jaouen is clearly highly rated, but he’s only 20 and hasn’t played any senior football outside of France.
Signing Trafford and letting Jaouen develop should be the name of the game for Newcastle, which would also mean they boast one of the strongest goalkeeping units in world football.
The England international is undoubtedly one of the best young goalkeepers on the planet and his arrival would be a massive statement of intent at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United got it horribly wrong in the transfer market last summer. That said, judging by how they’ve moved so far, they are working overtime to avoid repeating their mistakes.
