James Trafford's potential move to Newcastle United was scuppered by Manchester City's clever use of a £27 million buy-back clause. The 22-year-old goalkeeper had an outstanding season with Burnley, helping them secure promotion from the Championship, which attracted interest from Newcastle. However, City exercised their right to match any offer, bringing Trafford back to the Etihad.
Trafford started the first three Premier League games for City this season, but his fortunes changed when the club signed Italy's No. 1, Gianluigi Donnarumma, from PSG. Donnarumma was immediately installed as the first-choice goalkeeper, making his debut in a 3-0 win over Manchester United, leaving Trafford on the bench.
Former Newcastle and City goalkeeper Shay Given expressed sympathy for Trafford, suggesting he would be 'raging' in the same situation. Given speculated that Trafford may have been promised the No. 1 jersey and regular football, only to be displaced by Donnarumma two weeks later. He questioned what Trafford should do now, given his phenomenal season at Burnley.
Newcastle ultimately signed Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton as an alternative, but he has struggled to displace Nick Pope, who has started the season strongly with three clean sheets in four games.
