James Trafford
After a season that saw the Magpies finish 13th despite spending hundreds of millions last summer, you could fairly argue Newcastle need improvement all over the pitch.
Anthony Gordon’s move to Barcelona has left a gaping hole in the forward line that must be addressed but in terms of pure urgency, the goalkeeping department has been crying out for a refresh for some time.
It was high on the agenda last summer when Trafford was again the primary target – though Newcastle dallied on a deal to sign him from Burnley, allowing Manchester City to swoop in at the 11th hour and gazump them.
Aaron Ramsdale arrived instead to challenge Nick Pope for a starting role. By the end of the season though, neither had made a particularly strong case to be considered the undisputed No 1.
Ramsdale has since returned to his parent club Southampton while at 34, and after a series of high-profile errors over the past few months, the time looks right for Newcastle to move on from Pope too.
By his own admission, Trafford’s time at City has not gone the way he’d envisioned having spent the majority of it as understudy to Gigi Donnarumma.
His lack of Premier League football probably cost him the chance to seriously challenge Jordan Pickford for the England No 1 jersey at this World Cup – though he’ll be relieved he’s on the plane at all having played only 17 of City’s 60 games.
A new manager might offer Trafford another opportunity at the Etihad but the 23-year-old may well decide not to risk another year on the bench. Senior figures at St James’ Park will be keeping a close eye.
