British media: Newcastle is interested in Burnley goalkeeper Trafford and may add Pope to the deal

June 20th, British media shieldsgazette reported that Newcastle is looking for a new goalkeeper this summer and aims to target Burnley's Trafford.

Last summer, Newcastle tried to sign the 22-year-old goalkeeper but failed to agree with Burnley on the transfer fee. With Burnley returning to the Premier League, Trafford has doubled his net worth to about £40 million. Newcastle is reluctant to pay such a high price because they hope Trafford can compete with current goalkeeper Pope instead of directly replacing him. Trafford is seen as Pope's long-term successor, who has helped the team achieve two Champions League qualifications and one League Cup title since joining Newcastle in 2022.

While Newcastle wants to keep Pope, it may make the deal easier to reach as part of negotiations with Burnley. Pope's contract with Newcastle is only one year left, so trading one year ahead of time and using it in exchange may help speed up the negotiation process. Pope was very popular during his time at Burnley, and introducing a goal with Premier League experience will mitigate the impact of losing Trafford. It is worth noting that although Trafford performed well in the Championship, he still needs to prove himself at the Premier League level, and he was abandoned in the last 10 games of the 2023/24 season. Although Newcastle intends to keep Pope, this exchange deal is worth considering at least in theory given that Pope's contract is about to expire and the difficulty of negotiating with Burnley.

Of course, Newcastle is not the only Premier League club looking for a goalkeeper this summer. Leeds United, who has just been promoted to the Premier League, will also sign a goalkeeper as a priority. With Elan Meslier expected to leave the team and former Newcastle star Carl Dallo may also leave, Leeds United urgently needs to strengthen the goalkeeper position. As a result, Leeds United is linked to two goalkeepers that may be available. Both Pope and Trafford are listed as potential targets, according to the Yorkshire Post. Although Newcastle and Burnley can keep the status quo, Leeds United can't bear the status quo as Meslier conceded multiple mistakes in the 2024/25 season and he is about to leave.

For Daniel Falke's team, upgrading the goalkeeper position is imminent. So if Newcastle and Burnley reach a player exchange agreement, thus excluding two transfer targets from Leeds United, it would be a big blow to Leeds United.