JUST IN: Newcastle United finally get green light loan transfer after controversial £20m decision
Newcastle United’s Goalkeeping Picture: Stability, Strategy, and Summer Shake-Up
As Newcastle United gear up for a crucial campaign that includes a return to European competition, their goalkeeping department remains largely unchanged from last season—at least for now. Veteran goalkeepers Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy have both committed their immediate futures to the club by signing contract extensions, ensuring some stability between the posts.
Although the club has yet to officially announce Ruddy’s new deal, the 38-year-old has already featured in pre-season action. He was named in the starting lineup for Newcastle’s opening friendly against Carlisle United and has since traveled with the team to Austria for their pre-season training camp.
Adding further depth to Eddie Howe’s options is the return of 20-year-old Max Thompson, who spent last season on loan at Chesterfield in League Two. His performances there were closely monitored, and now he rejoins the senior setup ready to compete. With six goalkeepers currently at Howe’s disposal, the manager has no shortage of options heading into the new season—but that hasn’t stopped him from exploring further additions.
James Trafford: Newcastle’s Prime Goalkeeping Target
Newcastle have long admired Burnley’s young shot-stopper James Trafford and identified him as their priority goalkeeping target ahead of this summer’s transfer window. The club attempted to bring him in last year but were unsuccessful. This summer, they returned with renewed determination, and while personal terms have reportedly been agreed between the player and Newcastle, agreeing a fee with Burnley has proven problematic.
Last month, Newcastle saw a £27 million bid for Trafford rejected by the Clarets. Negotiations remain open, but progress has been slow, leading the club to momentarily shift focus to other pressing transfer priorities—namely, reinforcing their attack with the signing of Anthony Elanga and working on securing a new striker.
Goalkeeper Departures on the Horizon
With so many goalkeepers on the books, Newcastle are expected to allow at least two of them to depart before the end of the transfer window. Martin Dubravka, who extended his contract with the club earlier this year after a proposed move to Al-Shabab was blocked in January, is now likely to leave if a suitable offer comes in. His future at the club hinges largely on whether Newcastle succeed in landing Trafford, which would clear the way for the Slovak international’s exit.
The Complex Case of Odysseas Vlachodimos
Another goalkeeper whose future hangs in the balance is Greek international Odysseas Vlachodimos. The 31-year-old joined Newcastle last summer in a high-profile £20 million transfer from Nottingham Forest, a deal that was part of a controversial Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) swap involving Elliot Anderson. The circumstances of the move sparked debate, as Newcastle were under pressure to balance the books and avoid a potential points deduction.
Despite the sizeable fee involved in his transfer, Vlachodimos is yet to make a Premier League appearance for Newcastle. He was limited to just 45 minutes of action last season, replacing Dubravka during a Carabao Cup tie against AFC Wimbledon. Nonetheless, his Champions League pedigree remains unmatched within the squad—he made 41 appearances in the competition during his time at Benfica.
Though Newcastle are not actively looking to sell Vlachodimos, especially given the price they paid, the club would be open to loaning him out if it means he gets regular first-team football. According to reports from The Athletic, La Liga outfit Real Betis—who will play in the Europa League this coming season—are showing interest in the Greek international. Clubs from the Saudi Pro League have also been linked with the experienced goalkeeper.
Vlachodimos is currently with the squad in Austria for pre-season training, but it appears unlikely he will play a major role on the pitch this season unless circumstances change dramatically.
Looking Ahead
As Eddie Howe fine-tunes his squad for what promises to be a demanding campaign across multiple competitions, including the Champions League, the goalkeeping department remains an area of both strength and uncertainty. While consistency has been maintained with veteran extensions and young talent returning from loan, Newcastle are still actively pursuing long-term reinforcements. The outcome of their pursuit of James Trafford and the future of Dubravka and Vlachodimos will shape the final look of their goalkeeping unit—and could have a significant impact on their domestic and European ambitions.