James Trafford set for Manchester City return in another blow for beleaguered Newcastle

Newcastle are set to miss out on another summer transfer target after reports suggested Manchester City had activated their buy-back clause on Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.

Trafford left the Etihad for Turf Moor in 2023 but City insisted on an option to re-sign him due to the player’s long-term potential.

That has now been triggered for a fee of £27million, according to Fabrizio Romano, and the player is due for a medical and to discuss personal terms with City’s new director of football Hugo Viana.

The news will come as a blow to Newcastle, who have held a long-term interest in Trafford and viewed him as the successor to Nick Pope.

It continues a miserable summer window for Eddie Howe’s side with Trafford set to join other key targets who won’t now be moving to Tyneside. Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Bryan Mbeumo have all opted for other clubs while Newcastle have been left to wrestle with the dilemma of whether or not to sell Alexander Isak, who is exploring a move away from St James’ Park.

Assuming there are no hitches, Trafford will return to City as their number one with uncertainty still surrounding the future of Ederson.

The Brazil international has reportedly agreed terms with Galatasaray, although City have yet to indicate whether they wish to sell the 31-year-old, who has less than 12 months left on his contract.

Ederson has made 372 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side and is the most decorated goalkeeper in the club’s history.

Weaver expects Ederson to leave Manchester City

Former Manchester City keeper Nicky Weaver expects Ederson to move on.

Weaver told BBC Radio Manchester: “When it gets to this point, it almost looks like it’s going to happen.

“He’s into the last year of his contract now. Most summers he gets linked with a move away but you never think it’s actually going to happen. This summer, I think we could actually see it happening. 

“He’s set his standards so high, so last season and the Club World Cup were probably not at the standard he’d expect from himself.

“But I don’t think this is a reaction and wanting to leave because of that. He’s into the last year of his deal and City don’t let players run their contracts down like this for players they really, really want to keep.

“You would imagine over the last year or so there has been talks with the hierarchy at City over extending his stay but for whatever reason that has not come to fruition.

“The fact City have let the situation creep into the last year of his contract gives the player a lot more power in deciding what he wants to do.

“The ideal situation for me is he stays at City but it’s looking increasingly likely that he will go.”

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