Newcastle United could live to regret not signing James Trafford as Oasis star and Manchester City fan Noel Gallagher gives his seal of approval.
Despite a pursuit of the goalkeeper that spanned across two summers, Newcastle United lost out on Trafford when he re-joined Pep Guardiola’s side from Burnley.
Trafford had agreed personal terms with Newcastle and the move always seemed close until Man City activated their buy-back clause.
Newcastle, of course, went on to sign Aaron Ramsdale and he could yet prove to be a fine addition.
Still, Trafford looks like one of the contenders to become England’s No.1 for many years. As good as Ramsdale is, Trafford’s ceiling is arguably much higher.
City, meanwhile, have been linked with exiled Paris Saint-Germain stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Gallagher, however, has given his seal of approval to Trafford.
- READ MORE: Newcastle United discover harsh James Trafford truth as he explains Manchester City decision
Noel Gallagher backs James Trafford
Speaking to talkSPORT, Gallagher was asked about what he made of City’s start to the season.
Though not many people have predicted Guardiola’s side to reclaim the Premier League title this season, they did make light work of Wolves in a statement 4-0 win.
Gallagher talked of the links with Donnarumma but backed Trafford to act as the club’s No.1.
He said: “If we’d have gone to Wolves on Saturday and James would have played and we’d have got beaten 3-2 or something, there might be a case for it [signing Donnarumma].
“But actually looking at him, he just looks quite solid and he looked good with his feet. He looked unflappable, came for the crosses, he’s caught everything, made a couple of decent saves.
“Donnarumma is a great goalkeeper, Champions League winner, you can’t have enough of them in your team. He might be great for Trafford to learn off him, but I don’t think there’s an urgency there.”
What really happened between James Trafford and Newcastle United
Trafford looked set to join Newcastle at one point but, now he’s back at City, it’s incredibly difficult to see that ever happening.
It was disappointing to see City swoop in and sign the goalkeeper after Eddie Howe had tracked him for so long.
Placed in the context of a painful summer window for Newcastle, it was yet another blow for the club.
However, as per Craig Hope of The Daily Mail on social media platform X in July, there may have been little that the club could have done.
City had a buy-back clause in the deal they sold Trafford to Burnley on and they activated it just one hour before the deadline for that passed.
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