Newcastle United transfer target James Trafford once had a brilliant answer for Pep Guardiola when challenged by the iconic manager during their time together at Manchester City.
Trafford came through the academy ranks at Man City before leaving for Burnley on a permanent basis in 2023. Having risen to prominence with the Clarets, Newcastle United are keen to sign him.
Newcastle are in talks to sign Trafford, who they want to compete with Nick Pope for a starting berth next season.
Supporters may be questioning why the club would go out and strengthen a position in which they’re already well-stocked.
Still, Eddie Howe rates Trafford highly and a conversation the player had with Guardiola points to a young goalkeeper absolutely full of confidence.
- READ MORE: James Trafford sparks a reaction from Newcastle United fans after sighting at the England game
What happened when Pep Guardiola challenged James Trafford
As per Sky Sports, Guardiola challenged Trafford following a City training session back in 2020.
The tactician was “struck” by Trafford’s confidence as a teenager and challenged him to a penalty duel.
Guardiola took the spot-kick and Trafford saved it, which is said to have sparked “amusement” amongst those present.
Guardiola had told Trafford he could have whatever he wanted if he saved it. After doing so, the goalkeeper asked to start in the Premier League the following weekend.
Obviously, he did not get his wish.
Of the event, Trafford revealed: “Pep said, ‘You can have anything you want if you save it,'” recalled Trafford. “So I said, ‘Can I start on the weekend?'”
What James Trafford has said about joining Newcastle United
Trafford is keen to join Newcastle this summer, although that is only half the battle.
The club, of course, still need to convince Burnley to sell without breaking the bank.
Still, it’s promising that one of England’s most highly-rated young goalkeepers wants to join the club.
Speaking on a recent appearance on Ben Foster’s ‘Fozcast’ show, Trafford confirmed he wanted to join Newcastle last summer.
“Last summer, I wanted to move because the club I was close to going to was a good fit for me at the time,” he said.
“It was brilliant for me, I really believed in it and I really wanted the move. Not because I didn’t want to play in the Championship, I had no shame or no ego to be like ‘I’m better than Championship’, you only prove you’re better than something by performing and showing people.
“It was just when the opportunity and a situation you believe suits you can happen, you should take it and you should go for it.
“So I wanted to move and it was close but it didn’t end up happening. The manager [Scott Parker] was brilliant with me throughout pre-season because I was obviously moody because I wanted to move.”
Obviously, that deal did not go through, but it seems the club are trying to get it done this time around.
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