Alan Shearer has predicted that James Trafford of Manchester City will eventually sign for Newcastle this summer. James Trafford is expected to be connected to Newcastle United for the third summer. In the summer of 2024, Trafford verbally agreed to personal terms with the Magpies, but the agreement with Burnley fell through. The next year, they made another fruitless effort to get the custodian, who ended up joining Manchester City.
After apparently agreeing to a cost of about £28 million with the Clarets, Newcastle seemed to be on the verge of signing their man. However, that agreement was derailed when City was able to activate a provision to purchase back its former academy potential.
Trafford has only made 13 appearances in all competitions this season despite being expected to take over as Pep Guardiola’s top keeper following Ederson’s exit. This is because the City manager has spent a significant portion of the season favouring Gianluigi Donnarumma, another summer acquisition.
Newcastle is linked with a move for City goalkeeper James Trafford
Shearer said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if Trafford were to leave City this summer.” Last summer, it was on the verge of completion, but for some reason, City returned with a buy-back provision. “I suppose he believed he was going there as a No. 1 [keeper], but obviously Donnarumma’s move to City took precedence.”
“I hope Newcastle will be interested in him again. He will undoubtedly have alternatives, but I don’t see why he wouldn’t be as close to Newcastle again if he were that close last summer. After contributing significantly to City’s victory against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final, Trafford talked about his comeback to the club and the difficulties he has encountered as a regular starter this season.
“Yes, it’s a testament to how I believed in myself and how I acted in training when I’ve been brought in for club games, and it means a lot to have his [Pep Guardiola’s] faith,” Trafford said to Sky Sports.
