There will be one big loser if Newcastle United sign James Trafford after personal terms are agreed

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Newcastle United are getting closer to signing James Trafford, as they aim to bolster their goalkeeping ranks.

It has been reported that Newcastle have offered £25million to sign Trafford, who is very keen to leave Burnley and head to St James’ Park.

It remains to be seen if that will be enough for the Clarets to let him go. It feels unlikely, as it was recently claimed that Burnley value Trafford at £40million.

The Magpies will aim to strike a compromise, while Trafford has already agreed terms to become a Newcastle United player. That means that the price tag is the only obstacle standing in Eddie Howe’s way.

If Trafford does join the Magpies, he will become the sixth senior goalkeeper at the club.

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Two goalkeepers Newcastle United will not sell even if James Trafford arrives

That is far too many, which means someone will probably have to leave.

It is not going to be Nick Pope. He wants to remain at the club, while Newcastle also want Pope to stay. Instead, he will compete with Trafford for a place in the starting XI.

In a perfect world, Newcastle would sell Odysseas Vlachodimos, 12 months after signing him for £20million from Nottingham Forest. However, that fee is exactly why he is unlikely to be sold.

They will never get their money back, which is why Vlachodimos will only leave Newcastle on loan. If they sold him at a loss, it would negatively impact their PSR position.

Mark Gillespie has signed a contract extension with the club, while John Ruddy could follow suit. He is in talks to remain at St James’ Park, but is unlikely to ever play for the club even if he does ink a new deal.

James Trafford deal could be bad news for Martin Dubravka

That leaves just one goalkeeper: Martin Dubravka.

If Newcastle sign Trafford, it is Dubravka who could be most at risk of being moved on. He would go from second choice to third choice, which means he is unlikely to even be named as a substitute during the 2025/26 season.

That will not appeal to the Slovakia international, who spent a decent portion of last season in the Newcastle United starting XI when Pope was injured. He performed well during that period too, with some fans calling on Dubravka to play ahead of Pope.

But Pope has since re-established himself as Newcastle United’s best goalkeeper, while Dubravka will have an appetite to play regularly at the age of 36.

Dubravka nearly left Newcastle in January amid interest from Saudi Arabia, but was convinced to stay. Fast forward a few months and his presence may no longer be required.