Newcastle United are now in a weird goalkeeping predicament.
Newcastle’s January transfer window has been a mixed bag. Despite the fact that the transfer window has been open for three weeks, the Magpies appear to be close to making their first transaction. However, there may have been much quicker activity if Martin Durbravka’s transfer drama, which is still ongoing, had ended.
In January, Dubravka was ready to depart Newcastle for Al-Shabab of the Saudi Pro League. When Dubravka shared an emotional moment with Newcastle fans following their Carabao Cup victory over Arsenal, it appeared that a deal had been almost finalized.
According to recent reports, Dubravka is happy to stay at Newcastle after discussions with manager Eddie Howe.
Dubravka has had a good time in the absence of Nick Pope, keeping seven clean sheets in ten games since joining the squad.
Amidst all the news, Newcastle want to recruit James Trafford from Burnley. This season, Trafford has been remarkable under former Newcastle captain Scott Parker, maintaining 18 Championship clean sheets.
While Newcastle are anxious to recruit the shot-stopper, there is one issue that must be addressed before an approach is made.
Newcastle needs to make Dubravka’s choice before signing Trafford.
Although it appears that Dubravka will stay with the club, it is unclear if he will just finish the final six months of his contract and then leave, or if he will sign an agreement that will keep him at St James’ Park for another year.
On the NUFC Matters Transfer Show, transfer journalist Ben Jacobs was asked who Newcastle would most likely buy in January.
Although Jabobs was hesitant to mention names, he did explain what it would take for Newcastle to sign Trafford.
“Newcastle are going to have to be very savvy with who they bring in this month,” stated the player.
“I don’t want to identify names right now, but if there is goalkeeper movement, James Trafford is a very possible bid and signing for Newcastle.
“But first, they have to decide whether they have changed their minds about (Martin) Dubravka, if this is a stopgap until the summer, or if they will grant him a new contract. In this instance, their perspective on (a new) goalkeeper could shift.
“Right when the transfer window started, I would have said it was very likely that Dubravka and Odysseas (Vlachodimos) both might go and if they did it was reasonably certain that Newcastle would go back to Burnley for James Trafford.”
Newcastle recently rejected Al-Shabab’s proposal for Odysseas Vlachodimos earlier in the week. The Greek international has only played once so far this season.
Newcastle also has goalkeepers Mark Gillespie and John Ruddy who are out of contract this summer. It is unclear whether the two will sign extensions.
Trafford compared to Newcastle goalkeepers
In previous seasons, the goalkeeping department has not been a position that Newcastle have badly needed to improve given how well Dubravka and Pope have done.
However, Pope has missed six Newcastle games due to injury. The demand to recruit younger, fitter goalkeepers has grown.
Trafford, 22, meets the bill. Trafford would only cost Newcastle about £20 million. PSR is an important issue to consider, but Newcastle has failed to make a single signing and has prioritised outgoings over arrivals in the transfer market.
Trafford’s kicking is one of his few weaknesses. Trafford, like Pope, struggles with the ball at his feet, completing only 70.7% of passes.
