Newcastle United see door open to James Trafford after Man City rumour
Man City set to re-sign former goalkeeper Pierce Charles
Trafford would complete Newcastle goalkeeper revamp
Newcastle United’s pursuit of England international goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City has seen a boost today, with reports breaking that the Citizens will look to re-sign Pierce Charles this summer.
According to TEAMtalk, City views Charles as a goalkeeper who can eventually succeed Gianluigi Donnarumma between the sticks. The Manchester club initially had Charles in their academy before he left to pursue first-team opportunities.
The deal will free up Trafford to leave the club this summer, with Newcastle once again emerging as a frontrunner for his signature.
Newcastle interested in Trafford
It was just this week that the Magpies unveiled their first signing of the summer in goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen. Newcastle signed the 20-year-old for a fee of around £24m from Ligue 2 club Stade Reims.
That was immediately reported to be just the start of the club’s goalkeeper business this summer, with a new number one still expected to arrive on Tyneside.
There have been a few names linked with the club, with the most prominent of those being Robin Risser of Lens, but Trafford is thought to be the highest priority target at present.
Newcastle are said to currently be in talks with Manchester City over the permutations of a possible deal, which could cost somewhere in the region of £40m.
If a deal were done, it would be third time lucky for Trafford and Newcastle. The goalkeeper has been close to joining the Magpies on multiple occasions, including last summer, before Manchester City swooped with their buy-back clause.
Newcastle goalkeeper revamp continues
The James Trafford interest has reignited amid the growing speculation that Nick Pope will leave the club this summer.
Pope is not seen as good enough to continue next season as the Magpies’ number one and will be allowed to leave the club as a result in favour of a fresh face.
🚨More on NUFC goalkeeper situation.
🧤Plans underway to replace Nick Pope as No. 1.
💰Pope exit dependent on finding a willing buyer – not guaranteed.
🎯 James Trafford a top target once again.
📋Alternative plan in place if they miss out.
Full story via @shieldsgazette👇…
— Dominic Scurr (@DomScurr) June 13, 2026
Of course, Aaron Ramsdale also left, returning to Southampton after his loan spell came to an end. John Ruddy left on a free, and Odysseas Vlachodimos will also be sold by the club this summer after returning from a loan spell with Sevilla.
All of those departures had left the goalkeeping department rather short ahead of next season, but the signing of Jaouen and the hopeful arrival of Trafford will put Howe’s men in a strong position in that area of the pitch going forward.