‘Soon’ – Fabrizio Romano teases Newcastle United’s first major summer signing — personal terms agreed
Newcastle United Revive Interest in James Trafford as Burnley Line Up Replacement
Newcastle United are stepping up efforts to complete the signing of Burnley and England goalkeeper James Trafford, as the club looks to strengthen key positions ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
The 22-year-old was on the verge of joining Newcastle last summer, but the proposed move fell through at the last moment. The collapse was largely due to complications involving Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), which saw Nottingham Forest make an unexpected demand for Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos as part of a wider arrangement involving Elliot Anderson’s controversial switch to the City Ground.
Trafford, who had already agreed personal terms with Newcastle at the time, was forced to remain at Burnley. Despite the disappointment, he responded with a stellar campaign at Turf Moor, registering an astonishing 29 clean sheets and conceding just 16 goals as the Clarets powered their way to automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.
Newcastle Reignite Trafford Deal After a Year’s Delay
Now, a year on from that failed move, Newcastle are back at the table — and this time they’re determined to get it over the line. Manager Eddie Howe is an admirer of Trafford’s talent and maturity, and the Magpies are prepared to significantly increase their financial commitment to secure his services.
Trafford’s market value has nearly doubled over the last 12 months. Newcastle initially looked set to land the keeper for around £20 million in 2024, but with Burnley now demanding closer to £40 million, the North East club will need to dig deeper. However, talks are progressing positively, with renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirming that Newcastle plan to “accelerate” the deal and hope to complete it “soon.”
“James Trafford and Newcastle, plan to accelerate and get deal done soon as revealed,” Romano posted on X. He added that negotiations between the two clubs are already underway and that the process is expected to pick up pace from July, when the formal transfer window opens.
Burnley Preparing for Trafford’s Exit
In what looks like a clear indication that Burnley are planning for life without Trafford, the Clarets have announced the signing of German goalkeeper Max Weiss. The 22-year-old arrives from 2. Bundesliga side Karlsruher SC on a four-year contract and is widely considered to be a long-term replacement for Trafford.
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has reported that Burnley see Weiss as a future number one, and his arrival could pave the way for Trafford’s departure in the coming weeks.
Weiss himself expressed excitement at joining the Lancashire side, telling Burnley’s club media:
> “I’m really excited to be here. It’s an amazing club with big ambition and all the conversations I’ve had with people here have been so good and very positive. The training ground looks amazing, the pitches are top quality, and I can’t wait to get started in pre-season and meet the rest of the team.”
Trafford Still Keen on Newcastle Switch
Despite last year’s move falling through, Trafford’s desire to join Newcastle has not diminished. According to Romano, the personal terms agreed in 2024 between Trafford and Newcastle are still valid, making negotiations easier this time around.
In a candid interview with Fozcast, Trafford reflected on the failed transfer and his ambition to join Eddie Howe’s side.
> “In the summer I think people knew I wanted to move,” he said. “The club that I was close to going to, it was a good fit for me. It was brilliant for me and I really believed in it.
> “I wanted to move — not just because I didn’t want to play in the Championship — I had no shame playing there. I have no ego. You only prove something by performing. You can say what you want, but you have to show it.
When you see an opportunity that suits you, you should take it. I tried, but it didn’t end up happening.”
With Burnley now prepared to let him go and Newcastle eager to finalise a deal, Trafford could soon get the Premier League opportunity he has long been w
aiting for — this time in black and white.