Man City will have 72 hours to block James Trafford's Newcastle United move - on one condition
Manchester City hold a major advantage over Newcastle United in the race to sign James Trafford.
Newcastle United’s chances of signing James Trafford are growing increasingly unlikely following details of a third Manchester City transfer clause.
The Magpies were close to agreeing a fee for Trafford less than a month ago but Burnley unexpectedly moved the goalposts. Since then, progress has been slow.
Still, there remained an air of confidence and somewhat expectation that a deal would be agreed. Trafford first agreed to join Newcastle in June 2024, with that verbal agreement still in place this summer.
That was until last week when Man City signalled their interest in re-signing the 22-year-old. And due to a number of transfer clauses, the Citizens hold a significant advantage.
New Manchester City & James Trafford clause revealed
It was widely known that Man City had negotiated a £40million buy-back clause and a 20% future sell-on fee when selling Trafford to Burnley for £19m in July 2023.
However, Manchester Evening News has revealed details of a third clause, which gives Man City 72 hours to match any bid that the Clarets may accept.
Pep Guardiola’s side want to sell Ederson or Stefan Ortega - both goalkeepers are into the final year of their respective contracts - before firming up a move for Trafford. Turkish giants Galatasaray are expected to table an offer for Ederson.
Even if Newcastle were to press ahead and agree a fee for Trafford, the door would, for three days at least, still be left ajar for Man City.
James Trafford favours Manchester City over Newcastle United
Despite agreeing to join Newcastle for the best part of a year, MEN claims Cockermouth-born Trafford now favours a return to Man City, where he spent eight years as an academy player before leaving without making a senior appearance.
Had it not been for Newcastle’s issues with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), Trafford would have moved to St James’ Park for around £20m last summer.
The Magpies, however, were forced to pull out of a deal when Nottingham Forest demanded that Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos was included in the PSR swindle that saw Elliot Anderson move to the City Ground.
To put it simply, it was either sign Vlachodimos or breach PSR and receive an inevitable points deduction.
James Trafford opens up on failed 2024 Newcastle United move
Opening up on last year’s failed move to Newcastle, Trafford told Fozcast: “In the summer I think people knew I wanted to move. “The club that I was close to going, it was a good fit for me. It was brilliant for me and I really believed in it.
“I wanted to move, not just because I didn’t want to play in the Championship, I had no shame playing in the Championship. I have no ego to think I’m better than the Championship. You only prove something by performing and showing people. You can say whatever you want but unless you perform.
“It was just when an opportunity and a situation you think suits you can happen, you should take it and you should try and go for it, so I wanted to move. It was close but it didn’t end up happening.”
Newcastle United’s stance on James Trafford after Man City approach
The Magpies are understood to be comfortable with their current goalkeeping situation, meaning they won’t be rushed into finding an alternative if they lose out on Trafford.
As it stands, Nick Pope is the number one, supported by Martin Dubravka. Vlachodimos, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie complete the five-man goalkeeper department.