‘I wanted to move’: Burnley’s James Trafford addresses last summer’s failed Newcastle United switch

June 6, 2025 Stanley England Championship 0

James Trafford has confirmed what many Burnley fans had long suspected: he planned to leave the club last summer.

Last year, the 22-year-old was on the verge of joining Newcastle United after they were relegated from the Premier League by Vincent Kompany.

According to rumours, personal terms were agreed with for Trafford’s move to St James’ Park, but the Magpies and Burnley were unable to agree on a fee.

Trafford remained at Turf Moor and had a record-breaking season, with Scott Parker’s team winning promotion from the Championship with 100 points.

The custodian was an important member of a backline that allowed only 16 league goals entire season, and he kept 29 of Burnley’s record-tying 30 clean sheets.
Trafford was nominated for the Championship’s Player of the Season award, but lost to Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer.

Trafford has addressed last year’s transfer speculation in full for the first time, admitting that he regarded the opportunity as a “good fit”.
“In the summer, I think people knew I wanted to move,” he told the Fozcast podcast. “The club where I was considering going was a terrific fit for me. It was fantastic for me, and I truly believed in it.

“I wanted to move not because I didn’t want to play in the Championship; I had no qualms about playing in the Championship. I have no ego to believe I am better than the Championship.

Performance and demonstration are the only ways to prove anything to others. You can say anything, but unless you perform…

“It was just that when an opportunity and a scenario that you believe will benefit you arise, you should seize it and strive to pursue it, thus I wanted to relocate. It was close, but it didn’t happen.

“The management was excellent throughout preseason. I wasn’t the best; I was cranky since I was young and wanted to relocate, but I worked really hard at the time.
“I knew that the longer it went on, the more likely it was that I would be playing the season’s first game, and I wanted to play. I told the manager that I was available if he wanted to hire me. If not, I’ll sit on the bench; however, I’m available. He played me the first game, and that was all.”
Despite winning promotion back to the top flight, Trafford’s comments will fuel speculation of a move this summer, with Eddie Howe’s Newcastle still intrigued. The custodian admits that he sees himself playing at the top level.

When questioned about his future aspirations, Trafford stated, “That’s where I’ve always wanted to be: at the top of the Premier League.” Everyone wants to go play there.

“To get there you have to play games, improve and get to a level where you do go back, to wherever I end up, whenever, to make sure I’m ready for it and I’m the best equipped to perform.

Read more..

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*