Newcastle United are stepping up their efforts to secure Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford as their first significant acquisition of the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old, who was previously on Newcastle’s radar last year, remained at Turf Moor after a proposed move collapsed due to a complex PSR-related swap that involved Nottingham Forest and goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos. Now, with the Magpies revisiting the deal, it appears they are getting closer to completion.
Transfer Talks Progressing Quickly
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has provided an encouraging update for Newcastle fans. According to the Italian journalist, the club is preparing to accelerate negotiations with Burnley, and a deal could be finalised very soon.
“James Trafford and Newcastle, plan to accelerate and get deal done soon,” Romano posted on X, reiterating a recent update in which he noted that the two clubs were already engaged in discussions. With the formal summer window now open, negotiations are expected to pick up pace.
Trafford’s value has risen considerably since last year. Burnley now reportedly want around £40 million for the England international—double what Newcastle were prepared to pay last summer.
Burnley Secure Replacement as Trafford Edges Closer to Exit
As Newcastle ramp up their pursuit of Trafford, Burnley have moved to strengthen their goalkeeping options by signing German stopper Max Weiss from Karlsruher SC on a four-year deal. According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the Clarets believe Weiss has long-term potential and could eventually become their new first-choice goalkeeper.
Weiss has already spoken positively about his move, highlighting the club’s ambition and impressive facilities: “I’m really excited to be here. It’s an amazing club with big ambition. The training ground and pitches are fantastic, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Trafford Agreement Already in Place
Newcastle appear to hold a key advantage in the chase for Trafford, having already agreed personal terms with the player during last year’s failed negotiations. Romano reports that the verbal agreement remains in effect, putting the Magpies in a strong position to conclude the deal quickly.
Trafford himself recently confirmed how close he came to joining Newcastle in the past, telling Fozcast: “In the summer I think people knew I wanted to move. The club I was close to joining felt like the right fit, and I really believed in it.
“It wasn’t just about not wanting to play in the Championship—I had no shame in that. But when an opportunity suits you, you should go for it. It was close, but it didn’t happen.”
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