Leeds United £40m transfer imminent as Newcastle United U-turn truth revealed
Newcastle United opted to stay clear of James Trafford this summer as they made moves for other goalkeeper targets.
Newcastle United opted to sign Lukas Hornicek and Ewen Jaouen to bolster their goalkeeping options this summer, leaving previous top target James Trafford free to join Leeds United.
The Magpies have tried to secure a deal for Trafford in each of the last three summer transfer windows. Ultimately they were unable to agree a deal for Trafford last summer or the summer before, and he ended up re-joining Manchester City instead in 2025.
Newcastle had the chance to sign Trafford again this summer and retained an interest but ultimately steered clear due to the finances involved, particularly wages. The England international ended up joining Leeds United for £40million plus add-ons instead, signing a contract reportedly worth £130,000-a-week.
As previously reported by NewcastleWorld, Newcastle would consider an older, more experienced goalkeeper as an alternative to Trafford. Crystal Palace and England goalkeeper Dean Henderson was one of those who held talks with the club.
But Ross Wilson assessed the situation and felt better value was to be found on the continent and have been able to sign 20-year-old Ewen Jaouen and Hornicek for a combined fee of £44million and combined wages that are well short of what Trafford is on at Elland Road.
Hornicek’s arrival is set to see him become Newcastle’s first-choice goalkeeper for the 2026/27 season, paving the way for Nick Pope’s exit.
Nick Pope available to leave
A potential suitor is yet to make a move for Pope heading into the final weeks of the transfer window, but there are several clubs thought to be interested.
Ipswich Town initially held talks and an interest in the goalkeeper at the start of the summer, but Kieran McKenna’s departure saw them explore and sign alternative options. Pope was thought to be willing to take a wage cut to join his boyhood club but will now have to assess other potential options.
Leeds were also credited with an interest in Pope but have since signed Trafford.
Hull City explored the signing of Hornicek this summer but the player ultimately preferred a move to Tyneside instead. But the transfer could still have a knock-on impact on the Tigers, who have also been credited with an interest in Pope.
Should a reasonable offer come in for Pope in the final weeks of the transfer window, he will be allowed to leave. The goalkeeper’s contract at Newcastle expires at the end of the 2026/27 season.
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