James Trafford’s future is up for discussion once again after his move to Man City backfired
Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford punches a corner away on his most recent appearance for the Blues(Image: Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images)
The eventual cost of a move for Man City goalkeeper James Trafford this summer could leave Newcastle United struggling to strengthern in other key areas.
Trafford has long been courted by The Magpies and looked close to a transfer last summer before returning to City. However, that move has not gone to plan with City signing Gianluigi Donnarumma in the same window, knocking Trafford from the No 1 spot.
Trafford has turned out just nine times in all competitions this season for City, and is tipped for a swift exit from the Etihad, with Newcastle reportedly top of the list for his signature.
However, City are likely to want a fee of much more than the £27million they paid Burnley back in July – and despite United’s clear need for a new shot-stopper, there is a concern that they could be priced out of a move for Trafford.
Speaking on The Everything is Black and White Podcast, our Newcastle United writer Sean McCormick shared his concerns about a potential transfer for Trafford.
Asked whether he’d be happy to see United paying £40 million for the goalkeeper, McCormick said: “I don’t think I would be. That’s not to say that James Trafford isn’t worth it – James Trafford has proven at Man City that he will become the goalkeeper we thought he would become, and I think he’s got unbelievable potential.
“The problem for Newcastle now is they obviously agreed a fee of £27million in the summer – there’s not a prayer Man City are selling him for less than that.
“It’s going to be more than that, and they would argue that the performances he’s put in when he’s been given the opportunity has shown that it should be more than that.
“He’s obviously on a big contract at Man City and now it’s whether Newcastle can justify paying that money for someone like James Trafford.
“I wouldn’t begrudge it at all. I just fear that the money it would take to sign him while it wouldn’t make it out of reach for Newcastle – it would take a large chunk of the transfer budget.
“I think Newcastle are probably better served parking the Trafford thing and trying to go with someone a bit more value.”
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