In a recent report on Patreon, journalist Alan Nixon stated that Newcastle United have reignited their interest in Burnley custodian James Trafford. It has been stated that the Magpies have renewed their efforts to land the English keeper this summer.
Trafford’s Difficult Season In English Football
Trafford endured a tough campaign in the Premier League as he struggled to keep things solid for Burnley at the back. The English talent shipped in 62 goals and kept just two clean sheets in 28 appearances for his current employers last season in various competitions.
However, the 21-year-old did well to average 1.4 clearances and 6.5 long balls per game in the Premier League. He lacked quality when distributing possession from the back after completing just 62.1% of his attempted passes in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the English club will expire in the summer of 2027. Thus, it won’t be easy for the Magpies to get a deal done for him on the cheap later this year.
Should Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe Bring Trafford On Board?
Trafford can be a safe pair of hands in between the sticks when he is playing well and with confidence on the field. He is a good handler of the ball and can use his quick reflexes to make a few important saves for his team. Standing at 1.97m, Trafford is a strong presence inside his penalty area.
The English talent often goes long with his goal-kicks but needs to find a way to be more accurate with his ball distribution. He has already got some Premier League experience under his belt and won’t take much time to adapt to life at St. James’ Park if Eddie Howe can devise a way to snap him up this summer.
We can expect Trafford to enhance the quality of Newcastle United‘s goalkeeping department. He is good enough to serve as an ideal understudy to Nick Pope at the Tyneside club in the coming seasons.
At 21, Trafford has the potential to be a future star in English football. Therefore, Howe should focus on going all out to bring the English goalie on board before the end of this summer transfer window.
