James Trafford is perfect Newcastle United fit - Cole Palmer’s England comments explain why
Newcastle United are reportedly close to signing Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.
Newcastle United supporters are already relishing the prospect of a new summer signing. For the first time since August 2023, are the Magpies about to splash the cash on a potential first-team starter?
The Daily Mail reported yesterday that Newcastle are on the brink of completing a deal for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. Already popular on Tyneside for his double-penalty-save heroics against Sunderland last month, the 22-year-old came close to joining the Magpies last summer.
NewcastleWorld understood a £16million deal was close before falling through at the final hurdle. Just 12 months earlier, Trafford left Manchester City for £19million and was flavour of the month for his under-21 Euros displays with England.
Anthony Gordon was a teammate and earned Player of the Month as the Young Lions secured the glory - defeating Spain in a dramatic final. But the 1-0 win will be remembered best for what Trafford did, denying Abel Ruiz from the spot on 98 minutes - sparking pandemonium from the England dugout.
And how a relatively unknown Cole Palmer - then a fringe player at Manchester City - reacted could convert Newcastle fans who are perhaps questioning a possible summer swoop. A minority of Toon supporters are baffled by a sixth goalkeeper joining Eddie Howe’s ranks just hours after Martin Dubravka penned a contract extension.
Worth reposting.
— Lee Robson (@leerobson23) January 17, 2025
Cole Palmer on James Trafford. #nufc
pic.twitter.com/uu28Zjbygc
As Ruiz stepped up, Palmer gambled to England’s media channel: “I bet you he saves this.” A low save to his right later - followed by a reactionary parry on the rebound - and England were crowned champions.
“Do you know how good this guy is?” Palmer followed up once the Young Lions held on. “When Traff saved that bro, my heart… I swear. I don’t have words anymore. There are so many people I’ve told how good he is.”
Fast forward to the present and Trafford has amassed a further 59 appearances across Premier League and Championship level. With 23 clean sheets in 32 league games for Burnley this season, perhaps Howe and the recruitment team - given their abundance of credit - deserve the chance to let nature run its course.