The transfer market opens for Leeds United and their Championship opponents on Friday.
One of Leeds United’s promotion opponents for next season is on the verge of losing another key player after Newcastle United reportedly accepted personal terms with him.
Burnley has already lost head coach Vincent Kompany to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, and first-choice goalkeeper James Trafford could be on his way to Premier League club Newcastle.
The Magpies have agreed personal terms with the former Manchester City goalkeeper, with a bid of approximately £15 million likely as they look to conclude an early deal. That is according to Fabrizio Romano, with the transfer window set to open this Friday.
The 21-year-old joined the Clarets for £15 million last summer, with the transfer fee potentially growing to £19 million if necessary add-ons are met. According to reports, City will pocket 20% of any future fee, with Burnley seeking £30 million to allow Trafford to leave Turf Moor in order to benefit from the goalie while also improving their own compliance with profit and sustainability requirements.
Trafford started the first 28 of Burnley’s 38 Premier League games last season, as the club was relegated to the Championship following just one season in the top tier. Kompany’s decision to replace him with Arijanet Muric resulted in him missing ten games.
He was named to Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2024, but he was one of seven players cut as the Three Lions manager was forced to reduce his travelling contingent to 26 ahead of the tournament, which begins in Germany this Friday with the hosts facing Scotland in the first game – a game in which Leeds captain Liam Cooper could feature.
Chelsea has also been linked with Trafford, but Newcastle appears to be winning the battle. Loris Karius, a former Liverpool goalkeeper, has departed the club, while Martin Dúbravka, Newcastle’s second-choice stopper, has only a year left on his contract.
Kompany praised Trafford after joining Burnley last summer. He stated, “We’ve signed a really talented young man. He is more than just a talented actor; he is also an excellent character. James is a really impressive, confident, and mature young man. Most people are aware of his accomplishments and abilities.
“We’re looking forward to taking that even farther. Making him better. He’s already accomplished so much, and we’re excited to see how far he can go.”
Trafford started his career with Carlisle United before joining Manchester City’s academy. He spent time on loan at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers before making the permanent switch to Burnley. He appeared 78 times for Bolton during two loan periods and was a member of the team that won the EFL Trophy in 2023.
Burnley are one of the teams anticipated to compete with Leeds for promotion next season. The Clarets won the Championship title in 2023, while the Whites will spend another season in the second tier after losing the play-off final against Southampton.
