Newcastle United discover harsh James Trafford truth as he explains Manchester City decision

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United have officially missed out on James Trafford to Manchester City, and it looks like they never really had a chance.

All summer, the expectation has been that James Trafford would sign for Newcastle United. However, that changed when news broke that Trafford was rejoining Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side matched the Magpies’ offer, which has resulted in the 22-year-old returning to the Etihad Stadium for £27million.

Newcastle are signing Aaron Ramsdale instead, as they move fast to get over their Trafford nightmare. The whole situation was rather embarrassing for Eddie Howe’s side, having chased Trafford for more than 12 months.

James Trafford always wanted Manchester City return despite Newcastle United interest

Despite Newcastle United’s long-standing interest in Trafford, it would appear that he always had eyes on a move back to Manchester City.

During an interview with Manchester City’s YouTube channel, he outlined that it was always part of his plan to return to the Etihad.

“It’s brilliant for me,” he said.

“It was one of my goals since I joined when I was 12 to play for Man City. I knew my journey would look different.

“Throughout it I always believed I would be coming back and when I left on loan when I was 18 or when I left for Burnley when I was 20, I always believed that one day I would be back and I worked to achieve this moment.”

Trafford added that even when he moved to Burnley, it was with a view to returning to Man City.

He said: “Then two years ago when I had the opportunity [to move to] Burnley and I thought it was the right step for me in that moment and in the long term for what I wanted to achieve and to come back here. I’m happy that I’ve achieved it.”

James Trafford was not Newcastle United’s long-term solution

When Newcastle United were trying to sign Trafford, it felt like they were attempting to secure their number one for the foreseeable future. He seemed like a smart investment.

Aged 22 now, Trafford could be your number one for the next decade. Combine him with Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, Sven Botman and a new centre-back, then suddenly the Magpies would have their entire backline settled for the coming years.

Alas, that may not have been the case. While Trafford could have been very successful on Tyneside, it would appear he would always have had eyes on a Manchester City return.

Instead, Newcastle are having to take their business elsewhere. They are signing someone who is much older than Trafford, with Ramsdale set to arrive at the age of 27.

But Ramsdale could be a smart signing for Newcastle. Getting him on loan with an option to buy represents good business, as he gets the chance to prove he can be the long-term goalkeeping solution that Newcastle thought Trafford would be.