James Trafford concerns? – Why Newcastle’s summer move may be smarter than you think

Newcastle United submitted an opening bid in the region of £15-£16m over the weekend for James Trafford; the Burnley goalkeeper who has been met with a mixed reaction from Toon fans online.

He’s a highly-rated young goalkeeper who comes from Man City’s academy and almost made England’s final squad for Euro 2024, but he’s also come off the back of a tough season with Burnley, where he had a few shaky moments and lost his place over the final 10 games of 2023/24.

I can see why some are slightly underwhelmed after strong links with Giorgi Mamardashvili – one of the best shot-stoppers in La Liga – but it’s worth remembering that Trafford (21) would be signed as a long-term replacement for Nick Pope; who’s still a VERY capable Premier League goalkeeper.

I do believe that Newcastle must target proven quality across many areas of the squad and can’t always just invest for the future, but Trafford would be signed to help future proof the squad, much like Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall). 

Trafford will very quickly (if not already) be an upgrade on Martin Dubravka; a 35-year-old who struggled over the second half of the 2023/24 season. We need more options with Dubravka likely to leave and Karius already released. Trafford will also cost half as much as Mamardashvili. Now we missed out on Tosin Adarabioyo, who joined Chelsea on a free instead, we’ll have to be careful with our money to ensure we have plenty available to spend on other priority positions (CB, RW, ST).

As for concerns over Trafford’s  current ability, we can use Anthony Gordon as a good example. Gordon had just three goal involvements for Everton over 2022/23 before Newcastle signed him in January for £40m rising to £45m.  He was 21 at the time – the same age as James Trafford now – and his signing was met with a lot of scepticism, but we saw his potential and look at him now. He’s improved under Eddie Howe, reached double figures for goals and assists and is now in the England squad for Euro 2024.

Trafford didn’t fill me with confidence at all over 2023/24 – just like Gordon looked raw at Everton and struggled when he first arrived on Tyneside – but he was also thrown in at the deep end at a newly-promoted club last season and ‘protected’ by an awful defence.

21 is also so young for a goalkeeper. He needs to improve and fill out, but he will. Again, Gordon also looked liked a player with so much to learn at Everton and nothing like the left-winger we see today.

Pope was playing in League Two with York City at the age of 21. Alisson had just debuted at Internacional, Ederson was on the bench for Benfica and Emi Martinez was on loan at Rotherham. At the same age, Trafford has played regularly in the Premier League, won a European Championship without conceding a goal for England’s U21s, kept 26 clean sheets during a stunning year and regularly trains with England’s senior team. 

It’s also worth noting that Trafford will cost less than half the fee we paid for Gordon (and half the price Mamardashvili would demand), along with the fact he won’t be a first-team player immediately, with Pope our No.1 and someone he can learn from.

If Trafford was expected to come in and immediately replace Pope I’d understand more of the concerns, but that won’t be the case. He’s only 21, he likes to play with his feet, has real experience for his age and plenty of potential.

He might not even sign, but that’s just a few thoughts from an optimist trusting the process at Newcastle; who’ve barely made a bad signing since new owners arrived.