In a surprising twist, James Trafford has turned his back on Newcastle United to rejoin Manchester City, despite a verbal agreement that had been in place since June.
Newcastle United’s hopes of securing Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford have come to an abrupt end, as the 22-year-old opts for a return to Manchester City. The Magpies had been confident of landing the England U21 international after lengthy negotiations and a near-agreed fee of £27 million.
Initially, it appeared Trafford was set for a move to St James’ Park. Talks had advanced significantly in June 2024, and a verbal agreement was understood to be in place. However, the deal began to falter when Burnley altered the financial parameters late in the process, leading to stalled discussions.
While Newcastle’s pursuit hit a standstill, Manchester City swiftly entered the frame. Pep Guardiola’s side moved decisively, using their rights to match Newcastle’s offer.
According to respected transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano: “EXCLUSIVE: Manchester City agree deal to sign James Trafford as new goalkeeper, here we go! Deal in place with Burnley under a value of £40m buy-back clause.
Trafford said yes to Man City as Pep Guardiola wanted him. Newcastle are also informed about Trafford’s decision.”
EXCLUSIVE: Manchester City agree deal to sign James Trafford as new goalkeeper, here we go!
Deal in place with Burnley under value of £40m buy back clause. Trafford said yes to Man City as Pep Guardiola wanted him.
Newcastle are also informed about Trafford’s decision. pic.twitter.com/UG4X3V2lsZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 25, 2025
David Ornstein of The Athletic added further clarity, reporting that City had activated their matching rights and that Trafford would sign a five-year deal at the Etihad.
Trafford’s decision has come as a blow to Newcastle, especially after months of groundwork. Despite having left City without a senior appearance, the young keeper is said to be eager to return to the club where he developed through the ranks.
Though his move to Newcastle seemed inevitable for almost a year, Trafford ultimately chose the familiarity and long-term project at City. His history at the club and Guardiola’s personal interest are believed to have been key factors.
A source close to the situation noted that Trafford remained loyal to the idea of joining Newcastle until City reignited their interest. Once that happened, the dynamics shifted almost overnight.
Last summer, Newcastle had been ready to seal a £20m deal for Trafford. But Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) threw a spanner in the works.
The club had to pull out of the deal when Nottingham Forest insisted on including Greek shot-stopper Odysseas Vlachodimos in the financial shuffle that saw Elliot Anderson move to the City Ground. For Newcastle, it was a tough call: bring in Vlachodimos or risk breaching PSR and facing a points deduction.
Reflecting on that missed opportunity, Trafford opened up on Fozcast: “In the summer, I think people knew I wanted to move. The club that I was close to going, it was a good fit for me. It was brilliant for me and I really believed in it.
I wanted to move, not just because I didn’t want to play in the Championship, I had no shame playing in the Championship. I have no ego to think I’m better than the Championship. You only prove something by performing and showing people. You can say whatever you want but unless you perform.
It was just when an opportunity and a situation you think suits you can happen, you should take it and you should try and go for it, so I wanted to move. It was close but it didn’t end up happening.”
While missing out on Trafford is a clear setback, Newcastle are reportedly calm about their goalkeeping options. There’s no rush to find an alternative.
Nick Pope remains the undisputed number one. Martin Dubravka acts as his deputy, with the experienced Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy, and Mark Gillespie rounding out the squad.
For now, the Magpies will bide their time. The Trafford saga serves as another reminder of the volatility in the transfer market, where verbal agreements mean little without ink on paper.
Though the U-turn stings, Newcastle are unlikely to act rashly. Their focus remains on shrewd recruitment that complies with financial regulations and strengthening the squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Meanwhile, Trafford returns to Manchester hoping to make his mark, this time in the Premier League spotlight.
