Offer set to be submitted for 21yrs brilliant generational star
Newcastle United are poised to submit a significantly improved bid for a highly-rated transfer target, as reported by esteemed journalist Alan Nixon. Manager Eddie Howe is diligently working to bolster his squad during the summer transfer window, with Mainz’s attacking midfielder Brajan Gruda identified as a primary target. Gruda is considered an ideal candidate to complement Anthony Gordon in the upcoming season, assuming Newcastle can ward off interest from Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester City in the young England winger.
In addition to Gruda, Newcastle has reportedly engaged in preliminary discussions with Torino’s Italian center-back Alessandro Buongiorno about a potential transfer to St James’ Park. The 25-year-old defender, who shares the same agent as Newcastle’s summer signing Sandro Tonali, appears to be a promising acquisition. However, Buongiorno seems to be on the verge of joining Serie A side Napoli instead, which may complicate Newcastle’s pursuit.
Meanwhile, another defensive target for Newcastle is the highly-regarded young Benfica center-back Antonio Silva. Silva is viewed as a standout option to enhance the Magpies’ defensive line, especially in light of long-term injuries to key defenders Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles. Silva, who represented Portugal at Euro 2024, showcasing his skills in two appearances before their elimination by France, is valued at around £85 million. This substantial fee reflects his potential and the significant impact he could have on Newcastle’s defense.
Furthermore, Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo has emerged as a viable option to reinforce Newcastle’s backline. The Uruguayan center-back, currently earning £114,000-a-week at Camp Nou, is reportedly seeking a higher salary. Newcastle, along with Manchester City, are among the clubs capable of meeting his wage demands, making him an attractive target for a summer move.
In addition to bolstering their outfield options, Newcastle is keen on strengthening their goalkeeping department. According to Nixon on Patreon, via Give Me Sport, Newcastle is preparing to table an improved offer for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, edging closer to the £30 million valuation set by the Clarets. This move follows an initial £16 million bid that was turned down. The Magpies are eager to secure a long-term replacement for Nick Pope, who endured an injury-riddled 2023/24 season.
James Trafford, despite experiencing relegation with Burnley last season, is seen as a goalkeeper with immense potential and a high ceiling. His performances have drawn praise from football pundits, including former Arsenal striker Ian Wright. Wright has spoken highly of Trafford, saying, “He was brilliant, I was delighted for him. Coming into the Burnley side after a £19 million move, Vincent Kompany has shown a lot of faith in him, and he made some very, very good saves.” Wright noted that while some Burnley fans were initially skeptical due to Arijanet Muric’s strong performances, Trafford quickly proved his worth with a series of excellent saves.
Trafford is widely regarded as a strong candidate to become England’s long-term No.1 goalkeeper after Jordan Pickford, provided he continues to develop his skills. The young goalkeeper himself is confident in his ability to grow, and training alongside an experienced shot-stopper like Pope could accelerate his progress. There is a belief within Newcastle that Trafford could potentially usurp Pope in the near future, solidifying his position as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Newcastle’s pursuit of these key targets underscores their ambition to strengthen the squad comprehensively. With Howe at the helm, the Magpies are determined to build a team capable of competing at the highest level, both domestically and in European competitions. The addition of players like Gruda, Buongiorno, Silva, Araujo, and Trafford would not only enhance the quality of the squad but also provide the depth necessary to navigate a demanding season. As the summer transfer window progresses, Newcastle fans eagerly await further developments and potential signings that could shape the club’s fortunes in the upcoming campaign.
