Newcastle United are on the verge of securing a major signing in their pursuit of Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming that personal terms have been agreed between the player and the club. The 22-year-old shot-stopper, who played a pivotal role in Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League last season, is Newcastle’s top target to bolster their goalkeeping department, and negotiations are advancing rapidly.
🚨 James Trafford has fully agreed personal terms with Newcastle. Fee hoping to be agreed in the next few days. [@FabrizioRomano] pic.twitter.com/ujAnYrab46
— ToonArmy (@toonarmy_com) June 26, 2025
A Long-Standing Target
Newcastle’s interest in Trafford is not new. The Magpies attempted to sign the young goalkeeper last summer, agreeing personal terms and submitting bids of up to £20 million, which were rejected by Burnley. Despite the failed transfer, the verbal pact with Trafford remained valid, and Newcastle have reignited their pursuit this summer with renewed determination. Romano recently posted on X, “James Trafford has fully agreed personal terms with Newcastle and talks between clubs keep advancing. No agreement yet on fee with Burnley but expectation remains to get it done in the next days. #NUFC confident.”
Trafford’s stellar performances in the 2024-25 Championship season, where he kept a record-breaking 29 clean sheets in 46 matches and conceded just 16 goals, have significantly raised his profile—and his valuation. Burnley, now back in the Premier League, are reportedly holding out for a fee around £40 million, a sharp increase from the £20 million they demanded last year. This figure would make Trafford one of the most expensive goalkeepers in history, reflecting his immense potential and proven ability.
Why Newcastle Want Trafford
Newcastle’s current goalkeeping roster includes Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy, and Mark Gillespie. However, manager Eddie Howe is keen to invest in a younger goalkeeper who can serve as a long-term successor to the 33-year-old Pope, who has faced recurring injury issues, and the 36-year-old Dubravka, whose contract was recently extended but who is seen as a backup option. Vlachodimos, acquired last summer in a deal involving Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest, is reportedly not part of Newcastle’s long-term plans, while Ruddy and Gillespie are primarily seen as emergency or coaching options.
Trafford, at just 22, represents a perfect fit for Howe’s vision. His remarkable shot-stopping ability, composure under pressure, and potential to become England’s future number one—praised by Burnley boss Scott Parker—make him an ideal candidate to grow with the club. Romano has emphasized that Trafford is Newcastle’s “priority option” to become their new goalkeeper, with the player himself keen on the move to St James’ Park.
What’s Next?
Newcastle’s confidence in finalizing the deal, as reported by Romano, suggests that Trafford could soon become their first major signing of the summer. The Magpies are keen to avoid the complications that derailed the transfer last year, when Nottingham Forest’s demand for Vlachodimos as part of a PSR-driven deal saw Newcastle pivot away from Trafford.
If the transfer is completed, Trafford could initially serve as competition for Pope, with the potential to take over as Newcastle’s first-choice goalkeeper in the near future. His arrival would also likely signal the departure of Vlachodimos, while Dubravka’s role remains uncertain despite his new contract.
