Newcastle United have no plans to slow down in the transfer market after unveiling Lloyd Kelly.
The 25-year-old is the Magpies’ first signing of the summer, with his arrival confirmed on Thursday. He joins the club on a free transfer, much to the delight of Eddie Howe, who has snapped up a player that he is very familiar with.
But that obviously will not be the end of Newcastle‘s summer transfer business. In truth, it is only just the beginning.
Next on the Magpies’ agenda appears to be a goalkeeper, with James Trafford the number one target.
He is keen on a move to St James’ Park, and it is a deal that Newcastle are doing their best to complete after deciding that Giorgi Mamardashvili was too expensive at £35million.
Newcastle press ahead to sign ‘disappointing’ James Trafford
Instead, Newcastle are aiming to bring in Trafford, who is going to cost much less at around £20million. However, he is a level below Mamardashvili, and will arrive as a backup option to Nick Pope.
And this is a decision that has baffled HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has spoke to Geordie Boot Boys about the Magpies’ decision to move for Trafford.
“Newcastle seem to be pressing ahead with this one at the moment,” he said.
“Obviously they want to strengthen the goalkeeping department. It surprises me that they would pay that much for a number two, as he’s clearly not in the same class as Nick Pope at the minute. I thought he was pretty disappointing at Burnley. I thought he was poor, and was dropped towards the end of the season.
“Newcastle are paying for potential, but it’s a lot to be paying for potential in the profit and sustainability world.
“If you want to upgrade your goalkeeping department, go and do it. Go and get Aaron Ramsdale or Giorgi Mamardashvili. We have seen Filip Jorgensen just sign a new deal at Villarreal, and he was another goalkeeper that Newcastle United liked.
“Trafford is not going to push Pope next season. Maybe he will in a few years. I don’t get it, in all honesty.”
In defence of Newcastle’s James Trafford move
There is no denying that Trafford struggled in the Premier League last season. He was poor for Burnley, who suffered relegation back to the Championship.
But Newcastle are investing in Trafford because of his potential, rather than his current ability. They must believe that he has what it takes to develop into a top level goalkeeper and eventually take Nick Pope’s place in between the sticks.
While he is not of the standard required right now, he does not necessarily need to be. Providing he stays fit, Pope is more than good enough to continue being the Magpies’ number one.
And spending less money on a keeper like Trafford means there is more money to spend elsewhere. That is a sensible decision when you consider that a player like Michael Olise is going to cost £60million, with most of the Magpies’ budget set to go towards winger.
In the PSR era, Newcastle are actually being quite savvy. In spending £20million on Trafford, they are getting a player who they probably believe could be worth double that amount in the coming years. It is speculative, of course, but it could be a masterstroke if Trafford lives up to his potential.
And ever since the takeover, Newcastle have barely missed a beat when it comes to recruitment. Hopefully this proves to be another success, although it might take a few years to truly determine whether or not that is the case.
For now, Newcastle are aiming to get a deal done for Trafford, as they once again plan for their future and look at the bigger picture.
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