Newcastle United are watching events unfold from a distance as James Trafford’s situation at Manchester City takes a sharp and unexpected turn. Only months after returning to the Etihad in a £27million move from Burnley, the young goalkeeper is now widely expected to leave the club, with Manchester Evening News describing his departure as “inevitable.”
What makes the situation even more striking is that Trafford had once appeared to be heading to Newcastle, having agreed personal terms with the Magpies long before City re-entered the picture.
Trafford’s journey back to Manchester City was supposed to be the start of something special. After two strong seasons at Burnley one in the Championship and one in the Premier League he had done enough to convince City to activate their buy-back clause.
Newcastle, who had tracked him for two years and attempted to sign him in consecutive summer windows, could not strike a deal with Burnley, leaving the door open for City to swoop in and reclaim one of their academy products.
When Trafford returned to the Etihad, everything looked promising. Pep Guardiola handed him the starting role in the opening three Premier League matches of the season, signalling that the 23-year-old could become the long-term successor between the posts.
Trafford showed composure, potential and confidence, and he was widely viewed as one of the brightest young English goalkeepers in the league.
But those expectations changed almost overnight. Manchester City shocked the market by securing the signature of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain.
At just 26, Donnarumma is still a young goalkeeper by professional standards, yet he already carries Champions League pedigree, over 400 senior appearances and experience at the very highest levels of European football. His arrival instantly reshaped the hierarchy at City and pushed Trafford down the pecking order.
For Trafford, the signing of Donnarumma could not have come at a worse time. After working tirelessly to reach a point where he could challenge for a No.1 spot at a top club and boost his England chances, he now finds himself stuck behind a world-class goalkeeper with little opportunity for regular minutes.
It explains why frustration has begun to build behind the scenes and why those close to him are suggesting his time at City may be short-lived.
Despite his lack of game time, Pep Guardiola has offered public support, describing Trafford as a future England No.1. He highlighted Trafford’s work ethic in training and emphasised the way he and Donnarumma push each other to improve.
Still, praise alone is not enough for a goalkeeper who needs competitive minutes to grow, especially during a crucial period leading up to a World Cup year.
Reports now suggest Trafford is seriously considering a move away as early as January. A loan deal is said to be the most realistic option, especially if he wants to keep himself in Gareth Southgate’s thoughts.
Regular Premier League football remains the priority, and staying on the bench at City simply cannot offer that.
For Newcastle, the situation is intriguing yet complicated. They once viewed Trafford as a major long-term investment, and the agreement on personal terms last year showed how strongly they believed in his potential.
But after two failed attempts to bring him to St James’ Park, the club eventually pivoted to Aaron Ramsdale, signing him on loan from Southampton with an option to buy for around £20million.
Ramsdale, who also harbours ambitions of becoming England’s next No.1, has not enjoyed the level of involvement he would have hoped for. He has made only two Carabao Cup appearances and one emergency Premier League cameo so far.
As a result, Newcastle now face their own dilemma in the goalkeeping department a situation that adds another layer of interest to Trafford’s uncertain future.
As things stand, Newcastle appear more like observers than active participants. But if Trafford forces an exit in January and City open the door to meaningful discussions, the Magpies may be tempted to revisit a pursuit that twice slipped away. His age, upside and Premier League experience still make him an appealing long-term option.
For now, the story remains unresolved. Trafford wants football. City cannot offer it. Newcastle may still admire him. And as the World Cup edges closer, a move feels increasingly unavoidable.
The situation could shift quickly once the January transfer window opens, and Trafford’s next decision may well define the trajectory of his career.
