Newcastle eye move for exciting Italy star after two-year scouting mission – sources
Newcastle United are rapidly advancing negotiations to sign Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, with multiple sources revealing to TEAMtalk that a deal in the region of £30 million (€35 million / $41 million) could be completed within the next 48 hours. The Magpies are eager to finalise the transfer as they look to strengthen key areas of their squad ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.
At just 22 years old, Trafford has emerged as Newcastle’s top goalkeeping target, with the club viewing him as the ideal long-term successor in goal. The highly-rated shot-stopper has been on the radar of Newcastle’s recruitment team for some time. It’s understood that he agreed to the framework of a five-year contract with the club as far back as last summer—a sign of how long the Magpies have been planning this move.
Having now reaffirmed his commitment to joining Eddie Howe’s project at St James’ Park, Trafford’s impending arrival could prompt a dramatic shift in the club’s goalkeeping hierarchy.
The proposed signing casts considerable doubt over the future of current number one Nick Pope. The experienced 33-year-old has been a key figure in Newcastle’s rise under Howe since joining from Burnley in 2022 for around £10 million. However, with the club preparing to invest heavily in Trafford, signals suggest that Pope could be displaced as the first-choice goalkeeper.
While there’s no immediate confirmation of Pope’s departure, speculation is already building. Interestingly, Burnley are reportedly open to the idea of re-signing their former keeper, potentially bringing him back to Turf Moor in a move that would reunite him with familiar surroundings. Leeds United are also keeping a close watch on Pope’s situation, as they weigh up the potential of adding a seasoned Premier League shot-stopper to their squad following their return to the top flight.
Newcastle’s push to finalise the Trafford deal underscores their ambitions to compete at the highest level in the coming season. After narrowly missing out on European qualification in the previous campaign, the club is determined to rebuild with a younger, more dynamic squad capable of securing continental football.
Trafford, a product of Manchester City’s prestigious youth academy, fits the profile of a modern goalkeeper. His agility, confidence in possession, and ability to distribute accurately from the back align perfectly with Howe’s tactical vision, which demands more from goalkeepers than just shot-stopping.
The young keeper’s stock rose considerably during Burnley’s 2024–25 season in the Championship. Trafford was a standout performer, helping the Clarets set multiple defensive records. Under his watch, Burnley kept a remarkable 12 consecutive clean sheets—a new league record—and went 910 minutes without conceding a goal, another historic achievement.
Over the course of 45 league appearances, Trafford conceded just 16 goals, a record-breaking statistic that underlines his consistency and maturity far beyond his years. His performances not only earned him recognition as one of the best young goalkeepers in English football, but also made him one of Burnley’s most valuable assets.
Negotiations between Newcastle and Burnley are understood to be at an advanced stage, though the Clarets are standing firm on their valuation of the player. Despite that, both parties are optimistic that an agreement can be reached imminently.
Should the deal go through, it would mark a significant statement of intent from Newcastle, highlighting their readiness to invest in the future and take bold steps to strengthen their core. With Trafford’s arrival on the horizon, the club appears committed to building a team not only capable of competing in the Premier League but also pushing for consistent European qualification