Newcastle Closing In on James Trafford Deal

It looks like Newcastle United are finally getting closer to landing James Trafford. After nearly a year of chasing the Burnley goalkeeper, talks have picked up pace, and sources are confident the move will be sealed this summer.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that while discussions are already ongoing, things are expected to speed up after July 1 — once the Premier League’s financial year resets under the Profit and Sustainability Rules. The fee is expected to be around £30 million. Trafford, 22, has been on Newcastle’s radar for some time. The former Manchester City academy product was instrumental in Burnley’s return to the top flight last season, setting a Championship record with 12 consecutive clean sheets and helping Scott Parker’s side concede just 16 goals all year. 

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. pic.twitter.com/v6W267mq78

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 23, 2025

Interestingly, Trafford was supposed to sign for the Magpies last summer, but the deal was scrapped late on due to a strange turn of events. Newcastle were forced to abandon the move when Nottingham Forest insisted on including Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos in the Elliot Anderson deal, derailing the entire arrangement. 

One potential sticking point this time around was Manchester City’s buy-back clause. When City sold Trafford to Burnley for £19 million two years ago, they inserted a clause allowing them to re-sign him for a fee north of £40 million. However, sources close to the situation have suggested that City have no plans to activate the clause, clearing the way for Newcastle. 

With just two years left on his Burnley deal, Newcastle believe they can negotiate a better price — perhaps lower than previously expected. More importantly, Trafford isn’t just being brought in as a shot-stopper. The club has tracked him closely all season and sees his composure and ability to play out from the back as key to how they want to evolve tactically. It’s a move with the long term in mind, and one that fits Newcastle’s vision of building a side that competes with the Premier League’s best. 

Meanwhile, Burnley already seem to be preparing for life after Trafford. According to Sky Germany, they’re closing in on Karlsruhe’s Max Weiss in a €5 million deal. The ripple effect may also impact Leeds United, who are said to be stepping up their interest in Nick Pope as Newcastle reshuffle their goalkeeping options. 

And it's not just Trafford on Newcastle's wishlist. Over in Italy, the club is keeping tabs on Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini. That deal might be harder to pull off, but it shows that the Magpies are still thinking big as they look to strengthen across the pitch. 

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