Former Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper James Trafford has garnered interest from a number of teams in the Premier League this summer, according to reports.
Trafford joined Burnley last summer for a reported £19 million fee from English champions Manchester City. Vincent Kompany was keen to acquire a ball-playing goalkeeper, one who was capable of playing in the Premier League. Nevertheless, the Englishman had never played in a division higher than League One.
However, the Englishman’s time at Turf Moore didn’t quite go to plan. Trafford started the season as Kompany’s number ‘1’ between the sticks but eventually lost his place to Arijanet Muric towards the back end of the campaign as the Clarets reverted to a more direct style in a late attempt to stay up. Furthermore, Trafford shipped 62 goals in just 28 matches in the Premier League this season.
It was reported by Football Insider last week that top-flight sides Newcastle United and Liverpool were keeping tabs on the shot-stopper’s situation in Lancashire and that the two clubs were keen to battle it out for his signature this summer, with Burnley valuing the 21-year-old at £20 million, £1 million more than he was signed for last year.
In an update to this transfer saga, The Daily Mail published a report on Saturday afternoon claiming that Newcastle have submitted a £16 million bid for Trafford, which is £4 million below Burnley’s valuation, although it is believed that the Clarets want a little bit extra for the former Bolton Wanderers loanee.
Writer’s View
Trafford had quite a difficult week as he was named as one of seven players who were omitted from Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad for EURO 2024, but clubs such as Newcastle and Liverpool still believe he has a bright future ahead in football and is worth the investment.
The young goalkeeper had a difficult campaign, but this was to be expected, having only ever played in League One prior to his arrival at Turf Moor with Bolton Wanderers and Accrington Stanley. Nonetheless, he still has a lot of developing to do and, in the right team, could become a future England number ‘1’.
Deputy Head of Writing