All the damning information is coming out now as Newcastle United have missed out on signing James Trafford to Manchester City.
It could be a deal fans are left to rue for many years to come. Manchester City have been very busy this summer, getting lots of business done ahead of the Club World Cup in June. Rayan Cherki, who was linked with a move to Newcastle, joined Pep Guardiola’s side, while several other players joined for big fees.
Now, it appears James Trafford is heading to Man City after a deal in the region of £27million was agreed with Burnley.
Newcastle were still in talks to sign Trafford, with reports suggesting a deal may have even been agreed before Man City matched it. The 22-year-old is expected to have his medical next week before officially completing his return to the Citizens after two years away.
Pep Guardiola convinced Trafford to join Man City, but another transfer call from within Newcastle’s Premier League rivals will leave them feeling very frustrated.
- Who is James Trafford? Meet the record-breaking goalkeeper close to Newcastle United transfer
James Trafford will not be the first-choice goalkeeper at Man City
The feeling was that Newcastle were ready to offer Martin Dubravka in a deal for Trafford. The Clarets are looking to sign a new shot-stopper amid the speculation over Trafford’s future, so Dubravka was seen as a sweetener to the deal.
Newcastle’s accepted bid for Trafford clearly came far too late. The Magpies had a chance to get a deal effectively wrapped up in May before Man City registered their interest. Now, they will have to go back into the market for another shot-stopper if they really wish to sign one.
Guardiola now appears to be causing more misery for Newcastle, as according to The Athletic, Trafford will not even be the first choice at Man City.
There have been rumours of Brazilian shot-stopper Ederson leaving Man City this summer, with Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray interested. However, the report states that the 31-year-old is happy to stay in the North West and continue being Man City’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Instead, the expectation is that Stefan Ortega will leave rather than Ederson, so Trafford will likely become the second choice between the sticks.
- READ MORE – Rio Ferdinand gives honest Alexander Isak to Man United verdict after Newcastle revelation
Why Newcastle United never stood a chance when Man City came for James Trafford
Losing Trafford to Man City, one of their rivals towards the top of the Premier League table, is a blow for Newcastle. Fans are starting to wonder when the next signing will come, and how many of them there will be.
Newcastle are in talks for Yoane Wissa from Brentford, with the 28-year-old reportedly eager on a move despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest.
While losing Trafford to Man City is a big blow, it was evident that signing him was always going to be an uphill battle when Guardiola’s side came knocking.
Reports have stated that Man City had a secret “matching clause” for Trafford, meaning they had the opportunity to put in the same offer for the player as the other interested party. This was the case with Newcastle, so when the £27million bid was accepted, Man City were able to offer the same amount.
It was down to Trafford to pick between the two clubs, and he chose Man City.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
