Newcastle United agreed £27m deal & personal terms with Manchester City star – Eddie Howe’s a big fan Jordan Cronin By Jordan Cronin

BREAKING news travelled fast across the football world when reports emerged that Newcastle United had once again agreed a deal and personal terms for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, a story that instantly reopened old wounds, revived unfinished business, and reminded everyone just how close the Magpies came to landing one of England’s most talked-about young goalkeepers. This was not a new story born overnight. It was a long tale of admiration, frustration, near-misses, money complications, power plays, and a goalkeeper caught between two ambitious clubs fighting for control of their future.

James Trafford is not just another name on a transfer list. For Newcastle United, he has become a symbol of what might have been. For Manchester City, he represents careful planning, control, and the value of a well-run academy system. For Eddie Howe, Trafford is a goalkeeper he genuinely admires, someone he rates highly, and someone he once hoped would become a key part of Newcastle’s long-term project.

Newcastle United’s interest in Trafford stretches back over two summers. The Magpies had identified him early, watched his progress closely, and decided he was the right man to grow with the club. Trafford’s performances at Burnley caught their attention. Calm under pressure, confident with the ball at his feet, and brave in big moments, he looked like a modern goalkeeper perfectly suited to Eddie Howe’s style of football. Talks were held, personal terms were agreed, and for a moment, it felt like everything was falling into place.

The first real attempt came in June 2024. Newcastle believed the deal was as good as done. Trafford was ready, the club was ready, and Burnley were prepared to sell. Then everything collapsed in dramatic fashion. Newcastle found themselves forced into a different move because of Profit and Sustainability Rules. A complex and controversial deal with Nottingham Forest saw Elliot Anderson leave, and as part of that situation, Newcastle had to bring in Odysseas Vlachodimos. The Trafford deal was pulled at the very last moment. It was a bitter pill to swallow, and one that left Newcastle fans frustrated and confused.

Rather than giving up, Newcastle returned the following summer. Once again, they pursued Trafford. Once again, personal terms were agreed. This time, they even managed to strike a £27 million deal. It felt like the past was finally being corrected. But then Manchester City stepped in. Quietly, decisively, and ruthlessly, City exercised their matching rights option. Trafford was their academy product. They had sold him to Burnley for around £19 million, and they had protected themselves in case he developed exactly as he did. When Newcastle moved, City matched the deal and brought him back home.

For Trafford, the return to Manchester City was emotional and complicated. He had spent eight years in the City academy. He knew the club, the culture, and the expectations. Coming back felt like a reward for his development, but it also meant stepping into one of the most competitive squads in world football. At the start of the season, Pep Guardiola showed trust in him. Trafford began the campaign as City’s number one goalkeeper. It was a huge moment for a young English keeper trying to establish himself at the very top.

Then everything changed again. Late in the transfer window, Manchester City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain. The arrival of an experienced, world-class goalkeeper instantly altered Trafford’s situation. His minutes became limited. His role changed. Instead of being first choice, he found himself rotating, waiting, and fighting for chances. So far this season, he has made just eight appearances in all competitions. It is not the number he would have wanted, but it is the reality of life at a club like City.

Despite that, Trafford has remained important in cup competitions. He has started all three of Manchester City’s Carabao Cup games. That consistency has kept him sharp and confident, and it means he could line up against Newcastle United in the semi-final first leg. The story almost writes itself. A goalkeeper Newcastle tried to sign twice could now stand in their way of reaching a final.

Eddie Howe has never hidden his admiration for Trafford. When asked about Newcastle’s failed pursuits and whether a future move could still happen, Howe was calm, respectful, and honest. He described Trafford as a very, very good goalkeeper. He admitted he is a big fan. He praised Manchester City for having fantastic options between the posts. There was no bitterness, no regret in his voice, just professional respect and quiet appreciation.

Howe made it clear he does not see the situation as a closed door forever. He wished Trafford well and said that if he plays, Newcastle will look forward to facing him. Those words matter. Managers do not praise players publicly without reason. They do not keep doors open unless they believe there could be another chapter in the future.

Still, reality paints a complicated picture. Another Newcastle move for Trafford is not completely impossible, but it looks unlikely for now. Wages are a major issue. Trafford’s salary at Manchester City is significant, and matching that would be a challenge. There is also the issue of the relationship between the two clubs. Behind the scenes, things are far from friendly. City’s strong interest in Tino Livramento has only added tension, making future negotiations even harder.

Newcastle’s current goalkeeping situation is also crowded. After missing out on Trafford, the club signed Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton. The deal includes an option to buy for £20 million. Ramsdale has not displaced Nick Pope as first choice, but he has made his presence felt. Like Trafford, he has started all of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup games. He became a hero in the FA Cup after saving three penalties in a dramatic shootout win over Bournemouth. Those moments build trust, belief, and fan support.

Eddie Howe now faces an important decision. Against Manchester City, who starts in goal? Nick Pope has returned and performed well. Ramsdale has delivered in big moments. Howe has praised both, calling them great professionals and highlighting the strength and depth they bring. He spoke warmly about Ramsdale’s penalty heroics, saying those moments endear players to everyone connected with the club. He also praised Pope’s return and consistency.

This depth shows how far Newcastle have come. They are no longer desperate. They are selective. They are strong. Yet, the Trafford story still lingers because it represents a missed opportunity that felt so close. Fans remember how near the club came to signing him. They remember the frustration. They remember City stepping in at the last moment.

For Trafford himself, the future remains open. At 23, he has time on his side. He is learning under Guardiola. He is training alongside elite players. But goalkeepers need games. They need rhythm. They need trust. If Donnarumma remains first choice long-term, questions will naturally be asked about Trafford’s next step.

The Carabao Cup semi-final adds another emotional layer. Trafford potentially facing the club that wanted him so badly feels symbolic. Every save, every kick, every decision will be watched closely. Newcastle fans will wonder what might have been. City fans will see a reminder of their academy success. Trafford will simply try to do his job.

Football is full of stories like this. Deals agreed but never completed. Players caught between clubs. Managers admiring from a distance. What makes this one special is how close it came, not once, but twice. It is a story of timing, money, power, and patience.

As things stand, Trafford remains a Manchester City player. Newcastle have moved on, strengthened their squad, and built competition in goal. Eddie Howe remains a fan, but realistic. The ship may not have sailed forever, but it is far out at sea for now.

What happens next will depend on many factors. Trafford’s playing time. City’s long-term plans. Newcastle’s financial position. Relationships between clubs. Football rarely stands still. Situations change quickly. Today’s impossible move can become tomorrow’s perfect solution.

For now, all eyes turn to the pitch. Newcastle United versus Manchester City. A semi-final full of tension, ambition, and personal stories. James Trafford, once a Newcastle target, now a City player, possibly standing between the Magpies and a final. That is football. Unpredictable, emotional, and never short of drama.