Newcastle United will want to buy Burnley custodian James Trafford in 2025.
The 22-year-old was sought by Newcastle last summer and even agreed to personal terms with the club, but Burnley refused to approve the transaction. The Magpies made two bids for Trafford but were unable to match Burnley’s asking price of £20 million, with a £16 million offer rejected.
Just weeks later, as part of the PSR financial gymnastics, the club signed Odysseas Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest with £20 million, while Elliot Anderson moved in the opposite direction for £35 million. The Greek international has yet to play in the Premier League for Newcastle this season.
With Martin Dubravka’s future at Newcastle uncertain and the custodian expected to leave the club in the summer, if not sooner, Trafford has been earmarked as Nick Pope’s long-term replacement.
Newcastle’s recruitment squad attended Burnley’s recent 0-0 draw at Middlesbrough on December 29 to get a better look at Trafford. The match saw the England Under-21s custodian keep one of his 16 clean sheets this season.
In 25 Championship outings in 2024-25, Trafford has conceded only nine goals.
Prior to joining Burnley in 2023, Trafford won the Euro Under-21 Championships with England, where he did not concede a goal and saved a last-minute penalty in the final. Anthony Gordon, a Newcastle winger, played alongside Trafford in the event.
Gordon was full of praise for Trafford after the win.
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