Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford could be on the move this summer, and a frontrunner has been named in the race between Newcastle United and Aston Villa.
Game time was very hard to come by for Trafford last season, after being replaced by Gianluigi Donnarumma in the same summer transfer window in which he returned to the Etihad Stadium.
The 23-year-old made just four appearances in the Premier League, although he did hold down a place in the starting XI throughout the EFL Cup campaign, keeping a clean sheet in the 2-0 final victory against Arsenal.
Since then, the Englishman has jetted out to the World Cup, but he isn’t expected to receive any minutes once again, with Jordan Pickford remaining Thomas Tuchel’s first choice option throughout the group stage, keeping two clean sheets.
In truth, the former Burnley goalkeeper’s career is yet to truly take off, despite being lauded as “incredible” by Scott Parker, and he may need to secure a move elsewhere this summer.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Newcastle have already strengthened between the sticks this summer, signing Ewen Jaouen from Reims, but another option may be required, given that Aaron Ramsdale was unfavoured for large parts of the previous campaign, whereas Nick Pope has been attracting widespread interest. Aston Villa, on the other hand, may need to start thinking about signing a long-term replacement for Emiliano Martinez, who is now 33-years-old. |
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Finances |
Man City are expected to demand £35m – £40m for the shot-stopper, who rakes in £50,000-a-week at the Etihad Stadium, which makes him one of the lowest earners in the first-team squad. As such, a hefty pay rise could tempt the two-cap England international into a move. |
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Insight |
Despite featuring very irregularly last season, the City goalkeeper has exhibited signs he could go on to become a top goalkeeper in the past. During the 2024-25 season, he kept 29 Championship clean sheets, the joint-highest total in the division’s history. |
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Impact |
Considering the reigning EFL Cup and FA Cup champions already have Donnarumma to call upon, they can probably afford to cash-in on Trafford. His arrival could spell the end for Pope, considering Jaouen’s arrival means Eddie Howe is very well-stocked in the goalkeeper department. |
Newcastle now frontrunners in race for James Trafford’s signature
According to a report from Football Insider, Newcastle have now entered pole position in the race for Trafford, with Howe considered “a big fan”, but there is rival interest from Aston Villa.
However, the Magpies will need to give the 6 foot 6 goalkeeper assurances regarding game time if they are going to get a deal over the line, following a frustrating spell at City.
Nick Pope will be watching what happens with James Trafford
Pope has been Howe’s first-choice option between the sticks for quite some time, but he struggled at times last season, being benched in favour of Ramsdale towards the latter stages of the campaign.
The 34-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract at St. James’ Park, which means cashing-in this summer could be ideal, and Trafford may be the ideal replacement, given that he is still very young, and won the Championship Golden Glove with Burnley.
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