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James Trafford Remains Newcastle United’s Top Goalkeeper Target Amid Transfer Developments

James Trafford continues to be Newcastle United’s primary goalkeeping target this summer.

The club recently reignited discussions with Burnley regarding a potential transfer for the 22-year-old shot-stopper, who came close to joining the Magpies last year.

Although personal terms were agreed in June 2024, the move ultimately collapsed due to complications involving Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Newcastle had planned a deal that would have seen Elliot Anderson move to Nottingham Forest, with Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos joining as part of the swap.

However, the inclusion of Vlachodimos became a sticking point, and the move fell through.

As a result, Trafford stayed at Turf Moor, where he had a remarkable season, playing a crucial role in Burnley’s immediate promotion back to the Premier League.

His performances—highlighted by 29 clean sheets and only 16 goals conceded—have significantly increased his market value.

A move that could have cost Newcastle around £20 million last year is now expected to be closer to £40 million.

Joan Garcia No Longer an Option as Barcelona Seal Deal

While Newcastle remain interested in Trafford, they’ve also explored alternatives. The club had shown interest in Lille’s Lucas Chevalier and Espanyol’s Joan Garcia.

However, any hopes of signing Garcia ended this week when Barcelona activated his release clause and finalized his transfer.

A statement from Barcelona read: “FC Barcelona activated the release clause of player Joan Garcia. The cost of the clause was 25 million euros plus CPI.

This Friday, the player will sign a contract with the club for the next six seasons, until June 30, 2031, in a private ceremony at FC Barcelona’s offices.”

Although reports in Spain suggested Newcastle were on the verge of triggering Garcia’s £21m clause earlier this month, those claims were inaccurate.

As confirmed by NewcastleWorld, while the club were aware of Garcia’s talents, no advanced negotiations ever took place.

Trafford Deal Still on the Table

Despite other priorities—such as strengthening their forward line and central defence—Newcastle haven’t ruled out a renewed push for Trafford.

The England youth international previously expressed a strong desire to move to St James’ Park, which could help facilitate a transfer.

Speaking on Fozcast, Trafford admitted he had hoped for a move last summer:

“In the summer, I think people knew I wanted to move. The club I was close to joining felt like the right fit. I believed in it, and it felt brilliant for me,” he said.

He added that his motivation wasn’t about avoiding the Championship:

“I had no shame playing in the Championship. I don’t have the ego to say I’m too good for it. You prove yourself by performing, not by talking.”

Reflecting on the failed transfer, Trafford said:

“When a situation comes along that suits you, you should go for it. It was close but didn’t happen. I was moody during pre-season, I won’t lie. I’m young and I wanted to go, but I still worked hard every day.”

Ultimately, Trafford stayed professional and earned his place in Burnley’s starting XI:

“The longer it dragged on, the more I accepted I’d play the first game. I told the manager I was available. He picked me, and that was it.”

With the goalkeeper remaining high on Newcastle’s wish list, a fresh move this summer appears increasingly possible.