Newcastle United have already lined up three summer signings after Paul Mitchell meeting & ‘verbal agreement’

Newcastle United are already making moves ahead of the summer transfer window, with three new signings lined up to strengthen the squad. One of the deals is already finalized, as highly-rated Georgian forward Vakhtang Salia will officially join from Dinamo Tbilisi once he turns 18 in August.

In addition to Salia, two more promising young talents are expected to arrive, signaling Newcastle’s intent to build for the future while also reinforcing key areas of the squad.

Among the primary targets is Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, whose name has been linked with Newcastle since last summer. The club attempted to secure his signature in 2023, verbally agreeing to personal terms, but Burnley rejected their £16 million bid.

Since joining Burnley from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £19 million, Trafford has continued to impress, particularly in the Championship this season. His performances have driven up his market value, and any potential transfer could now exceed £20 million, potentially reaching the £30 million mark given his outstanding form.

The 22-year-old has conceded only nine goals while keeping 24 clean sheets in 33 appearances, including an astonishing 12 consecutive clean sheets in 2025.

While Newcastle still need to negotiate a transfer fee with Burnley, personal terms are not expected to be an obstacle since an agreement was already in place last summer.

The club has closely monitored Trafford’s progress throughout the season, remaining keen on signing a new goalkeeper as discussions about the position continue among supporters.

Martin Dubravka recently extended his contract until June 2026 but lost his starting spot to Nick Pope, whose performances since returning to the lineup have been scrutinized.

Newcastle have conceded five goals in their last two matches, increasing the urgency to strengthen their goalkeeping options. If Trafford arrives in the summer, it could signal the end of either Pope or Dubravka’s time at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle’s recruitment team, led by sporting director Paul Mitchell, recently held a scouting summit where a list of summer targets was drawn up. Trafford remains a priority, with expectations that he will make the move regardless of whether Burnley remains in the Premier League or returns to the Championship.

Manchester City’s reported £40 million buy-back clause does not appear to be an issue in the deal, giving Newcastle a clear path to secure his signature.

Beyond the goalkeeping situation, Newcastle are also prioritizing reinforcements in other key areas. The club needs to strengthen the right-wing position after selling Miguel Almirón to Atlanta United in January without bringing in a direct replacement.

Additionally, the aging central defense requires attention, with at least one new center-back expected to arrive. Lloyd Kelly is set to complete a permanent move to Juventus for £20 million after his loan deal, further highlighting the need for defensive reinforcements.

Another highly regarded young talent expected to join Newcastle is 18-year-old winger Antonio Cordero. The Spanish prospect will arrive on a free transfer once his contract at Málaga expires, with Newcastle reportedly beating out top European clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona, for his signature.

Cordero has been one of the standout performers in Spain’s second division this season, contributing four goals and six assists. His family recently visited Newcastle, an indication that preparations for his move are already underway.

Despite the exciting additions, not all incoming players will be part of the first-team setup next season. Of the three summer arrivals, Trafford is the only one expected to integrate into Eddie Howe’s squad immediately.

Newcastle’s head of strategic technical football partnerships, Jack Ross, will oversee loan arrangements for both Salia and Cordero, ensuring they gain valuable experience elsewhere before potentially breaking into the first team.

The 2025-26 season will likely see both youngsters continue their development away from St. James’ Park, with Newcastle carefully managing their progression.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Newcastle are taking proactive steps to build a squad that can compete at the highest level.

By targeting both promising young talents and immediate first-team reinforcements, the club aims to balance long-term planning with short-term competitiveness.

The pursuit of James Trafford highlights their commitment to addressing key weaknesses, while the acquisitions of Salia and Cordero demonstrate their strategy of securing elite prospects for the future.

With more moves expected in the coming months, Newcastle’s transfer activity will be closely watched as they look to strengthen their squad for the challenges ahead.