Newcastle United and transfers have not been the happiest of partners of late.
Indeed, Alan Shearer delivered a rather scathing assessment of Newcastle’s business during the summer transfer window just gone, claiming those above manager Eddie Howe had “failed” him for not significantly strengthening the squad.
There have been reports of discontent between the Newcastle United manager and sporting director Paul Mitchell, so it would be difficult to definitively claim that it’s a case of happy families behind the scenes at St James’ Park right now.
Still, plans will need to be in place ahead of the next few transfer windows. Owners PIF are stressing they remain ambitious and it feels like big signings in January and next summer will help prove that.
Now, some insight into what PIF have planned for next summer has emerged.
Newcastle United are already planning for a transfer next summer and “outstanding” player will be monitored
According to The Northern Echo, the club are still going to make the signing of a new goalkeeper a priority in the summer of 2025.
They may have signed both John Ruddy and Odysseas Vlachodimos this summer but remain keen to bring in some long-term competition to Nick Pope.
James Trafford of Burnley, who has previously been hailed as “outstanding” by one Anthony Gordon, will reportedly continue to be monitored throughout the season.
James Trafford links refuse to go away
Strengthening a position in which Newcastle have so much cover does not seem a particularly worthy priority.
However, the links with Trafford which were so frequent over the summer refuse to go away. Even earlier this month, there were claims Pope could be sold to Everton with Trafford viewed as his eventual successor.
Until Newcastle or another club actually sign Trafford, it seems he’s destined to be linked with the club at every opportunity.
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