Newcastle United fans have reacted to James Trafford’s latest performance in Manchester City’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium.
The Magpies were on the hunt for a goalkeeper this summer and had their sights set on James Trafford, who was playing for Burnley at the time.
Trafford was coming off the back of a record-breaking season in the Championship, keeping 28 clean sheets in 45 appearances. It looked as though Newcastle United were set to sign Trafford, but Manchester City’s matching rights meant that they got priority if a transfer fee was agreed.
In the end, Trafford signed for Man City, despite telling people he was going to join Newcastle.
Trafford always wanted to return to Man City, and he got his wish when the deal was announced. On Saturday, Trafford started against Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium, but endured a nightmare first half.
After Trafford’s poor game for his new club, Newcastle fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts.
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Newcastle United fans think they have dodged a bullet with James Trafford
Having missed out on Trafford, Newcastle signed Aaron Ramsdale on loan. The 27-year-old joins the Magpies with Champions League experience and a positive history working under Eddie Howe.
As it stands, Ramsdale is the second-choice goalkeeper at Newcastle, though it remains unknown whether Trafford would have immediately succeeded Nick Pope on Tyneside.
Unfortunately for Trafford, he conceded twice in the first half against Tottenham, with the second goal resulting from his carelessness inside the area.
Seeing his blunder, Newcastle fans could not help but criticise the 22-year-old.
“Trafford is having an absolute ‘mare. How’s he even still on the pitch?! Can’t see him being City’s No.1 for very long,” said one Newcastle fan on X, while another added: “Thank god Newcastle Utd didn’t buy James Trafford after that blunder.”
This fan referred to Paul Mitchell’s transfer decisions, saying: “Something else Mitchell was right on, we wanted to spend over 30 million on this.”
“James Trafford doing his best to make #NUFC feel better about not signing him,” said this amused Newcastle fan.
Another fan added: “Trafford showing that he’s one for the future, not the now. Maybe Ramsdale wasn’t such a bad call after all.”
Finally, this Newcastle fan said: “Still baffled how we ever thought Trafford was the answer.”
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Man City mistake will be a learning curve for James Trafford
While fans believe Newcastle have dodged a bullet with Trafford, the fact of the matter is that he was still very high up on Howe’s list.
Having had such a good season, Trafford was bound to get the big move he was hoping for, and it came when Man City put in their offer.
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Trafford has already been called up for England squads, even while he was in the Championship. It is clear that England boss Thomas Tuchel thinks highly of the young shot-stopper, who will no doubt earn his first cap soon.
Newcastle fans will remember Trafford as one that got away, even after his blunder. He has a long way to go in his career, and will likely prove why fans should be gutted to miss out on him.
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