Newcastle United have already signed three goalkeepers this summer, but there is a chance that a third could arrive.
The goalkeeping situation at St James’ Park has been very confusing this summer. Eddie Howe wanted to sign someone good enough to challenge Nick Pope, with the likes of Giorgi Mamardashvili and Aaron Ramsdale linked with moves to Tyneside.
However, that plan was scrapped when Newcastle United failed to qualify for Europe. The plan then became to bring in an understudy for Pope, with James Trafford identified as the top target.
Trafford was keen to sign for Newcastle, and talks over a deal with Burnley were progressing. He looked set to arrive at St James’ Park, only for that plan to be scrapped as well.
Instead, Newcastle bought Odysseas Vlachodimos from Nottingham Forest. That deal was done to coincide with Elliot Anderson’s £35million move to the City Ground.
John Ruddy also arrived on a free transfer, after being released by Birmingham City. Ruddy was brought in to drive up standards in training, without kicking up a fuss about not playing.
Newcastle continue to be linked with James Trafford
As is stands, it looks like Vlachodimos will be Pope’s backup this season. However, there have been strange suggestions that Newcastle could still sign another goalkeeper.
In fact, rumours of Newcastle wanting Trafford have not gone away.
He was most recently linked with the Magpies on Tuesday, with TalkSPORT reporting that Newcastle are considering whether or not to reignite their interest in Trafford.
Burnley sign a new goalkeeper
One day later and Burnley have added a new goalkeeper to their squad ahead of the 2024/25 season.
They have signed Etienne Green from Saint-Etienne, with the 24-year-old agreeing a three-year deal with the Clarets.
He becomes the second goalkeeper to sign for Burnley this summer, with Vaclav Hladky arriving on a free transfer after being released by Ipswich Town. They have also lost a keeper, with Arijanet Muric going the other way to Ipswich.
Path could be clear for Newcastle to go back in for Trafford
With that duo and Trafford, Burnley have three senior goalkeepers. If they all remain at Turf Moor, you would assume that Trafford will be Scott Parker’s first choice.
However, there will be a feeling that the Green deal could open the door for Trafford to leave Burnley.
That could give Newcastle the chance to land the goalkeeper they were craving earlier this summer, as they aimed to sign a player who they surely viewed as Pope’s long-term replacement at St James’ Park.
If that does happen, Newcastle’s goalkeeper situation will be even more confusing. It would mean that the Magpies have six senior stoppers, which is far too many.
One of those is likely to depart, with Martin Dubravka expected to leave Newcastle before the summer transfer window closes on August 30th.
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