After the disappointment of Joao Pedro, Newcastle United might finally be on the brink of some positive transfer news.
It has been a difficult start to the summer for the Magpies, compounded by Joao Pedro choosing to join Chelsea despite interest from Newcastle United.
While Newcastle fans are not too concerned about Pedro, he is still another player who Eddie Howe wanted at St James’ Park that is going elsewhere.
As the Magpies look for alternative attacking reinforcements, their goalkeeper search could finally be coming to an end.
Newcastle United fans react as the Magpies close in on James Trafford signing
That is because Newcastle are ‘closing in’ on James Trafford.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper has been on the Magpies’ radar for more than 12 months, and now Fabrizio Romano believes that they are finally close to completing a deal.
It is the breakthrough that Toon fans have been waiting for, and they have reacted to Romano’s Trafford update on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“Players who want to play for the badge, this is what I wanna see,” wrote one fan.
A second Newcastle United supporter joked: “Persistence pays off! I look forward to signing Anthony Elanga in 2026.”
This Toon fan could not hide their delight, writing: “Brilliant signing for #NUFC 22 years old. 29 clean sheets in the Championship last season is crazy numbers. You’d imagine he’s England’s next number 1 goal keeper. Direct comp for Pope. Howay the Lads!”
“Really happy about this signing, the goalkeeper I’ve wanted for a while,” added another Newcastle supporter.
A fifth member of the Toon Army noted: “Someone at least. Now for the right winger, striker and centre half.”
Finally, this Newcastle fan commented: “Not the glamour signing that we’re craving but an essential one nonetheless. Let’s hope this is the start of a busy few weeks.”
Two things Newcastle United must do after they sign James Trafford
While nothing is guaranteed when it comes to Newcastle United and transfers, it looks likely that Trafford is on his way to Tyneside. That will delight Howe, as Trafford is a player who he has wanted for a long time.
Trafford has been eyed as the Magpies’ long-term number one, and he now appears to be on the brink of joining as direct competition for Nick Pope.
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But the hard work does not stop there for Newcastle United. They have plenty more business to do in the transfer market, particularly in attack. The Magpies want a winger and a striker, with bids recently submitted for Anthony Elanga and Joao Pedro. However, both were rejected and the latter is heading elsewhere.
Newcastle must decide whether to go back in for Elanga, while they also need to identify another striker option.
On top of that, the club must address their goalkeeping situation. If Trafford arrives and John Ruddy signs a new contract, Newcastle will have six senior goalkeepers on their books. That is simply far too many, with one or two needing to leave.
Signing Trafford could be bad news for Martin Dubravka, while Odysseas Vlachodimos could be loaned out.
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