Newcastle United are in active talks with Burnley to sign 22-year-old goalkeeper James Trafford, according to Sky Sports News. The move comes after the Magpies secured qualification for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League and look to moderate their squad post-PSR restrictions.
Trafford, who was hailed as “world-class” by Burnley boss Scott Parker, is coming off a record-breaking Championship season.
The former England U21 international kept 29 clean sheets in 45 matches, helping Burnley return to the Premier League while conceding just 16 goals.
Eddie Howe’s side tried to sign Trafford last summer, but talks collapsed over price disagreements following Burnley’s relegation.
Now, with financial breathing space and a Champions League campaign ahead, Newcastle are making a renewed push.
BREAKING: Newcastle are in talks to sign Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford 🚨
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 10, 2025
Burnley are understood to value Trafford at £30m with Newcastle hoping to have him and Nick Pope competing for the No.1 spot next season ⚫⚪ pic.twitter.com/S8acGuz7wi
“Newcastle United are in talks to sign the Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford,” Sky Sports News reported on deadline day of the first summer transfer window.
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Burnley are understood to value Trafford at £30 million [$40m]. Newcastle are a club that need to maintain their financial discipline a little bit, so negotiations over the fee are currently taking place.
Trafford is a player that Eddie Howe has had long-term admiration and interest in, and Newcastle are looking to tempt Burnley with a bid for the goalkeeper.
Burnley had signed Trafford from Manchester City for an initial £15 million [$20m] in 2023, with potential add-ons taking the deal to £19 million [$25m]. The current asking price marks a sharp rise after Trafford’s breakthrough season.
Trafford's move could change Newcastle’s keeper plans.
If the deal goes through, Trafford would not be a backup but direct competition for current No. 1 Nick Pope.
According to some reports, Eddie Howe wants to bring James Trafford to compete with Nick Pope, suggesting there are no immediate plans to offload the former Burnley keeper.
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