Chelsea NIGHTMARE: Newcastle 'expected' to sign key transfer target

Cameron Smith

21 Feb 2025 10:34 GMT
3 min read

Newcastle United are “expected” to sign Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford this summer after failing to finalise a deal in 2024.

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Eddie Howe’s side were close to purchasing the 22-year-old following Burnley’s relegation to the Championship, but they were unable to complete a transfer and Trafford remained at Turf Moor.

However, Trafford is now “expected” to join Newcastle when the 2025 summer transfer window opens, according to The Daily Mail, despite the fact that Manchester City have a buy-back clause.

Trafford has kept 11 consecutive clean sheets in the Championship and he has only conceded nine goals in 33 league matches so far this campaign.

With his imminent move to Newcastle set to be completed “without any hitches”, Chelsea will no doubt be rueing their failure to agree a deal last summer.

Chelsea to miss out on James Trafford

In addition to Newcastle, Chelsea were also interested in signing Trafford in 2024, but they eventually opted to purchase Villarreal shot-stopper Filip Jorgensen instead.

The Denmark U21 international has usurped Robert Sanchez as Enzo Maresca’s first choice goalkeeper in recent weeks, although he has looked shaky in between the sticks and he certainly isn’t the assured presence that Chelsea fans have requested.

The inconsistent form of both Sanchez and Jorgensen comes amid Trafford’s immaculate recent displays, and Chelsea would be wise to attempt a last minute hijack.

However, the Englishman is on the verge of joining Newcastle and Chelsea will therefore be required to identify an alternative option in their pursuit of a new goalkeeper.

Long-term target Mike Maignan is close to signing a new contract at AC Milan, meaning Chelsea could be forced to sign Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel instead.

Cole Palmer is a known admirer of Trafford, following their time together in Man City’s academy, and his ability as a shot-stopper would certainly be welcomed at Stamford Bridge given Chelsea’s recent defensive woes.

But, the Burnley star will not be moving to west London this summer and Chelsea will already be regretting their decision to sign Jorgensen over Trafford.