Fabrizio Romano provided a significant update yesterday on Newcastle United’s ongoing pursuit of Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, shedding light on the latest developments in a transfer saga that has been simmering for over a year. The 22-year-old shot-stopper, who played a pivotal role in Burnley’s promotion back to the Premier League, remains a top target for the Magpies as they look to bolster their goalkeeping options for the 2025/26 season.
Negotiations Underway, Deal Set to Accelerate
On June 23, 2025, Romano took to X to confirm that negotiations between Newcastle United and Burnley are actively progressing. He wrote, “Negotiations between Newcastle and Burnley for James Trafford are underway. Club to club talks continue as the deal can happen from July, so expected to accelerate from next week.” This update suggests that while discussions are ongoing, the transfer is likely to gain momentum after the new Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) cycle begins in July, providing Newcastle with greater financial flexibility. The club is set to receive a £73m PSR boost as losses from the 2021/22 season drop off, which could explain the timing of the anticipated acceleration.
Romano’s mention of a July timeline aligns with Newcastle’s cautious approach to the transfer market this summer. The Magpies have yet to make a major signing in June, likely due to PSR constraints, but the Trafford deal appears to be a priority as they prepare for a competitive season that includes Champions League football.
🚨⚪️⚫️ Negotiations between Newcastle and Burnley for James Trafford are underway.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 23, 2025
Club to club talks continue as the deal can happen from July, so expected to accelerate from next week. pic.twitter.com/v6W267mq78
A Long-Standing Target
Newcastle’s interest in Trafford is not new. The club came close to signing the young goalkeeper last summer, having agreed personal terms with him, but the deal collapsed due to complications involving Nottingham Forest’s demand for goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos as part of a PSR-related swap that saw Newcastle academy graduate Elliot Anderson move to the City Ground. Despite the setback, Romano has confirmed that the personal terms agreed with Trafford in 2024 remain “still valid,” indicating that the player is keen on a move to St James’ Park.
Trafford himself hinted at his disappointment over the failed transfer last summer, telling Fozcast, “In the summer [2024], I wanted to move because the club I was close to going to was a good fit for me at the time. It was brilliant for me, I really believed in it and I really wanted the move.” His ambition to play at the “top of the Prem” underscores his desire to join a club like Newcastle, where he could challenge for a starting spot.
Trafford’s Stellar Season
Trafford’s stock has risen significantly since last summer, thanks to a record-breaking campaign with Burnley in the Championship. The former Manchester City academy product kept an astonishing 29 clean sheets in the 2024/25 season, conceding just 16 goals as the Clarets secured an immediate return to the Premier League under manager Scott Parker. This remarkable form has seen Burnley increase their valuation of the goalkeeper, with reports suggesting a price tag of around £30m to £40m, a significant jump from the £20m quoted last year.
Despite his struggles during Burnley’s relegation season in 2023/24, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe sees Trafford as a long-term investment with the potential to rival current number one Nick Pope for the starting role. Howe has previously praised Pope as “one of the best shot-stoppers” he has worked with, but at 33, Pope’s long-term future may prompt Newcastle to plan for a younger successor. If signed, Trafford is expected to compete with Pope, with veteran goalkeeper John Ruddy potentially mentoring the youngster during his first season at the club.
Burnley’s Preparations and Newcastle’s Strategy
Burnley appear to be bracing for Trafford’s potential departure, with reports indicating they have lined up a £4m move for 21-year-old Karlsruher SC goalkeeper Max Weiss as a long-term replacement. This move suggests that the Clarets are open to negotiations, though they are unlikely to let their star goalkeeper go without a substantial fee, especially given his recent performances and Manchester City’s 20% sell-on clause.
For Newcastle, securing Trafford would mark a significant step in their summer transfer plans. The club has also been linked with other goalkeepers, such as Espanyol’s Joan Garcia, but Barcelona’s imminent signing of the Spaniard has left Trafford as the clear frontrunner. With personal terms already in place and talks progressing, Newcastle fans are hopeful that Trafford could become their first major signing of the summer, potentially as early as next week.
Fan Sentiment and What’s Next
The prolonged nature of the Trafford saga has left some Newcastle supporters frustrated, with one X user commenting, “I’m so bored of this one now. It’s dragged on for so long now that regardless of cost or anything else it has gone on so long now that it will be an underwhelming signing.” However, others remain optimistic, with posts on X highlighting the excitement around the deal’s potential to be finalized soon. One fan account, @ToonMouthTyne, noted, “Looking more and more likely that James Trafford will be our first signing of the summer,” citing Romano’s update and additional reports of advanced talks.
As the transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on Newcastle and Burnley to see if they can strike a deal for Trafford. With negotiations set to intensify next week, the Magpies are poised to make a bold move to secure a goalkeeper who could define their future between the posts. For now, Romano’s update has given Newcastle fans reason to believe that the long wait for Trafford may soon come to an end.
