‘World class’ player rejects Newcastle United move after late Eddie Howe push

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Newcastle United have suffered yet another transfer setback, as James Trafford closes in on a move to Manchester City.

The 22-year-old has been on Newcastle United’s radar for more than 12 months, with a move to Tyneside feeling inevitable.

However, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has exclusively told Geordie Boot Boys that James Trafford is set to undergo a medical with Manchester City after rejecting the chance to sign for the Magpies.

It is another seismic blow for Eddie Howe, in a week that has seen Alexander Isak look to leave Newcastle United.

James Trafford set to sign for Manchester City

Newcastle United are at risk of losing arguably their best player, and now they are missing out on someone who had been earmarked to have a bright future at St James’ Park.

Geordie Boot Boys understand that Trafford has agreed terms over a move from Burnley to Manchester City, despite an approach from Newcastle.

Pep Guardiola’s side have taken up the option to match Newcastle’s bid, with the goalkeeper set to return to the Etihad Stadium for around £30million in total.

Trafford will sign a five-year deal with Manchester City, as he gets set to undergo a medical with the 2023 Champions League winners. He will replace Stefan Ortega at the Etihad, with Ederson still Guardiola’s first-choice stopper.

Newcastle United made a late move for James Trafford

Trafford has been described as ‘world class’, yet it is Manchester City who will get to put that theory to the test rather than Newcastle.

It is a highly embarrassing situation for Newcastle, who came so close to signing him in 2024. The saga rumbled on into 2025, when there was still hope that he would become a Toon player.

The mood started to shift when Manchester City entered the conversation, but, as Bailey explains, there was still a late attempt from the Newcastle United recruitment team to bring Trafford to Tyneside.

“This is another massive blow for Newcastle,” he said.

“They have been working on Trafford for over 12-months, but again they just would not pay. Despite a late renewed attempt from Newcastle, the player has agreed to return to City.

“Eddie Howe really wanted Trafford and will be upset at missing out on another top target, having already seen the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Joao Pedro reject a switch to St James’ Park to move elsewhere.”