James Trafford makes Newcastle United U-turn after accepting move

James Trafford Edges Closer to Manchester City Return as Newcastle United Miss Out on Top Goalkeeping Target

 

Newcastle United appear set to lose out on long-term transfer target James Trafford, as the highly-rated goalkeeper has reportedly accepted a return to Manchester City. The 22-year-old had been on Newcastle’s radar for more than a year, but a series of setbacks and complications have now opened the door for the Premier League champions to bring him back to the Etihad Stadium.

 

Trafford, who originally left Manchester City in 2023 to join Burnley in a deal worth £19 million, was close to signing for Newcastle United earlier this month. Negotiations between the Magpies and Burnley had been progressing positively, with a fee seemingly within reach. However, talks hit a stumbling block when Burnley unexpectedly shifted their valuation, leading to a stall in proceedings and leaving Newcastle’s hopes hanging by a thread.

 

Setbacks in Newcastle’s Pursuit

 

Newcastle’s interest in Trafford dates back to the summer of 2024 when the club first agreed on personal terms with the goalkeeper. A deal looked imminent, but the Magpies were forced to pull out of negotiations due to a Financial Fair Play-related complication. Nottingham Forest had insisted on including Greek international Odysseas Vlachodimos as part of a wider transfer web involving midfielder Elliot Anderson — a demand Newcastle viewed as a PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) maneuver. As a result, Trafford remained at Burnley.

 

Despite the transfer falling through, Trafford went on to have a phenomenal campaign in the Championship under manager Scott Parker. The Cumbrian shot-stopper set a new defensive benchmark by keeping an impressive 29 clean sheets and conceding just 16 goals across the season, playing a pivotal role in Burnley’s immediate promotion back to the top flight.

 

Man City Eye Return for Former Prospect

 

Now, Trafford’s next move seems destined to be a return to his former club, Manchester City. According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, the goalkeeper has accepted the opportunity to rejoin City if a final agreement can be reached between the two clubs. His return would hinge on a potential exit for either Ederson or Stefan Ortega, with Turkish giants Galatasaray reportedly interested in signing Ederson.

 

City had the foresight to insert a buy-back clause into Trafford’s original Burnley deal, believed to be valued at around £40 million. However, the reigning Premier League champions are said to be negotiating a lower fee, leveraging their 20% sell-on clause as part of the discussions to reduce the overall cost of the deal.

 

Romano took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share the latest developments, stating:

 

> “More on James Trafford and Man City exclusive story. Understand Trafford has accepted to return to Man City if the two clubs will reach an agreement, he’s keen on the move. #MCFC in talks with Burnley to reduce £40m buy-back clause + deal still depends on GK exit.”

 

 

 

Adding fuel to speculation, Trafford was notably absent from Burnley’s recent pre-season training camp in Portugal. Instead, he has been training alone back in the UK and recently shared an Instagram post from the Represent HQ gym in Bolton with the caption: “On a mission.”

 

Newcastle Ready to Move On

 

Although a deal with Newcastle has not been formally ruled out, club sources indicate that the Magpies are now prepared to shift their attention elsewhere. While disappointed, Newcastle are confident in their current goalkeeping lineup and do not view the breakdown of the Trafford deal as a crisis.

 

Currently, Nick Pope remains the club’s first-choice keeper, with reliable veteran Martin Dubravka as his understudy. The depth chart is rounded out by Odysseas Vlachodimos, former Birmingham shot-stopper John Ruddy, and Mark Gillespie, forming a solid five-man goalkeeping department at St. James’ Park.

 

Trafford Reflects on Newcastle Near-Miss

 

Speaking on the Fozcast podcast, James Trafford offered rare insight into his failed move to Tyneside last summer. He acknowledged his desire to leave Burnley, not out of arrogance, but because he saw a promising opportunity at Newcastle that aligned with his ambitions.

 

> “In the summer I think people knew I wanted to move,” Trafford said. “The club that I was close to going to — it was a good fit for me. It felt right, and I really believed in it.

 

 

 

> “It wasn’t that I didn’t want to play in the Championship. I had no shame in playing there — no ego. But when an opportunity presents itself, especially one that you feel suits your goals and your development, you should try to take it. It was close, but it didn’t happen.”

 

 

 

As things stand, a new chapter is about to begin for Trafford, potentially back where it all started — under the bright lights of the Etihad. Newcastle, meanwhile, must look elsewhere as they continue to reshape their squad ahead of a crucial 2025/26 campaign.