Former Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper James Trafford is set to spark a transfer battle between Liverpool and Newcastle United for his signature this summer, according to recent reports.
The Carlisle United academy product joined Manchester City in 2015 at the age of 12. Despite spending eight years with the club, Trafford never made a competitive first-team appearance and was permanently transferred to newly-promoted Premier League side Burnley last summer for a reported £19 million. It was a bold move by the Clarets, signing a goalkeeper whose only experience in men’s football had come with loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers in League One over the past three years. Having never played above England’s third tier, Trafford made a significant leap to the Premier League.
The 21-year-old spent most of the season as Vincent Kompany’s first choice at Turf Moor. However, after a 2-2 draw with West Ham United in March, Trafford did not make another appearance, with Kompany opting for Arijanet Muric in goal to implement a more direct style of play.
Now, with his future at Burnley uncertain after just one year, Football Insider reports that both Liverpool and Newcastle are interested in acquiring Trafford. Burnley has valued the player at £20 million.
Furthermore, the outlet claims that Liverpool has extensively scouted Trafford over the past few months as they seek a replacement for second-choice goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, while Newcastle has also expressed their interest to Trafford’s representatives.
Writer’s View
Trafford’s season at Burnley might not have gone as planned. The former Bolton loanee made 28 appearances in all competitions but conceded 62 goals and eventually lost his starting spot to Muric. Despite this, Trafford earned a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s provisional England squad ahead of EURO 2024, showcasing his potential and explaining why Liverpool and Newcastle are keen on securing his services.
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