Newcastle now pushing to sign ‘top target’ for £25-30m with Eddie Howe plan in place
Newcastle United Secure Cordero Signing and Target James Trafford in Goalkeeping Shake-Up
Newcastle United have officially confirmed the acquisition of Málaga’s highly-rated winger, Antonio Cordero, as they continue to reinforce their squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign. However, their transfer activity doesn’t appear to be stopping there, with reports now linking the Magpies to another major signing—Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.
According to The Times, Newcastle are actively pursuing a deal for the 21-year-old shot-stopper and are said to be making a serious push to secure his services. The club is reportedly preparing an offer in the region of £25–30 million in a bid to convince Burnley to part ways with the talented goalkeeper. Manager Eddie Howe is believed to be a major driving force behind the move, as Trafford is considered one of his primary transfer targets this summer.
In an intriguing twist, Trafford recently displaced Newcastle’s current No.1, Nick Pope, in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad—a move that adds another layer of complexity to the Magpies’ goalkeeping situation. Despite Trafford’s emergence, The Times reports that Howe has no intention of offloading Pope during the transfer window, even though Leeds United are showing strong interest in the experienced keeper. Instead, Howe is looking to bring in Trafford as high-quality competition for Pope, thereby strengthening the depth and flexibility of Newcastle’s goalkeeping department.
However, whether Trafford would be content with a backup role remains uncertain. After an outstanding season in the Championship with Burnley—where his consistent performances were instrumental in Scott Parker’s side earning an immediate return to the top flight—the Carlisle-born keeper may seek guarantees of regular playing time. His stock has risen considerably, and at this stage in his career, a lack of minutes could hinder his development and aspirations for further international recognition.
Senior North East football correspondent Martin Hardy adds that Newcastle are one of three clubs actively pursuing Trafford at the moment. While the other two clubs remain unnamed in The Times article, earlier reports have linked both Chelsea and Manchester City with interest. City, Trafford’s former club, may be keen on a reunion, while Chelsea—known for their aggressive spending in recent windows—could view Trafford as a long-term solution between the posts.
From a tactical standpoint, Trafford fits the mold of the modern goalkeeper: young, confident, and highly adept with the ball at his feet. His ability to play out from the back and initiate attacking transitions makes him a valuable asset for teams looking to implement a possession-based style. This is in contrast to Nick Pope, who, while an exceptional shot-stopper, is less comfortable with distribution and ball control—traits that are increasingly vital in the Premier League.
Bringing in Trafford could mark a significant step in Newcastle’s evolution under Howe, as the club looks to build a squad capable not just of competing in the league, but also challenging for European qualification. With Cordero already through the door and more moves likely to follow, this summer could be a transformative one for the Magpies.