Newcastle United expected to correct £20 million summer mistake next year as departure branded 'inevitable'
Newcastle United are expected to be given another chance to sign a long-term target next summer after missing out on his signing in pre-season.
Heading into the summer transfer window this year, it was practically nailed on that James Trafford was going to sign for Newcastle for anywhere between £20 million and £27 million.
The Burnley stopper had almost joined the Magpies in 2024, only for the deal to collapse and as the two parties kept in contact through the 2024/25 season, it seemed like Newcastle would finally get their man for the 2025/26 season. Burnley did up their asking price, which put a spanner in the works, but it was understandable given the stunning form Trafford had shown for Burnley in the Championship, and the fact that Burnley were heading back to the Premier League.
However, it wasn't meant to be as Manchester City activated their buy-back clause for Trafford, and he opted to return from whence he came. Things went well initially for Trafford, but soon, Pep Guardiola pounced to bring Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG, and he immediately overtook Trafford in the pecking order.
James Trafford is already eyeing a Manchester City escape
Now it is being reported that Trafford is unhappy at City, sitting on the bench, especially given that it's a World Cup year and his chances are dwindling.
The Manchester Evening News have gone as far as to suggest that Trafford has told his team to find him a new club, which could put Newcastle on alert.
However, Newcastle won't be moving to bring Trafford to St James' Park in January as they have Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton, so if the Magpies are to make their move for Trafford, it will not be until the summer.
When will players learn? Newcastle is the place to be
Not getting a move until the summer isn't going to suit Trafford, who wants to play his way into Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad.
Equally, Aaron Ramsdale is reportedly keen to extend his stay on Tyneside, and already having a foot in the door, and not having turned his back on us once already, is bound to stand him in good stead ahead of Trafford, no matter how much Eddie Howe likes him.
We'll just add James Trafford to the list of players who will regret turning their back on Newcastle, shall we?
