Newcastle United are back at the table for James Trafford. The 23-year-old Manchester City goalkeeper, who slipped through Newcastle’s fingers last summer, is once again the club’s primary target to solve their long-term goalkeeping question.

The one that got away, and why he might come back

Newcastle first zeroed in on Trafford during his time at Burnley, tabling a bid of around £31M to bring him to St James’ Park. That deal looked close to done. Then Manchester City activated a buy-back clause, swooping in and signing Trafford back for an effective fee of £27M in July 2025.

Trafford put pen to paper on a five-year contract with City on July 29, 2025. With Gianluigi Donnarumma firmly entrenched as City’s number one, Trafford has spent most of his time since the move warming the bench. Trafford has reportedly indicated he doesn’t want to remain a second-choice goalkeeper.

Newcastle’s goalkeeper chess match

Newcastle is simultaneously progressing toward a deal for Ewen Jaouen, a young goalkeeper valued at around €28.5M, which translates to roughly £24.6M. Still, Trafford is reportedly considered the top target.

The price tag could be the sticking point. City are rumored to entertain offers above £40M for Trafford. That represents a significant markup from the £27M they paid to bring him back via the buy-back clause.

The buy-back clause problem in modern football

Newcastle experienced this firsthand. They identified Trafford as their guy, agreed a fee with Burnley, and watched City swoop in with a clause that undercut their bid by £4M. City then parked Trafford on the bench behind Donnarumma. Now City are asking for more than £40M — roughly £13M more than they paid to activate the buy-back clause less than a year ago.

What this means for Newcastle’s future

If Newcastle end up signing both goalkeepers, they’d be investing roughly £65M in the position. More likely, they’ll land one or the other, with Trafford being the preferred outcome.