Newcastle United have been installed as the overwhelming favourites to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, with bookmakers slashing odds on a January move following a significant update from the Etihad Stadium.
A new report from Football Insider indicates that the market has reacted sharply to news that Manchester City may be willing to sanction a loan or permanent exit for the 23-year-old shot-stopper next month.
Trafford, who returned to City from Burnley in a ÂŁ27million deal just last summer, has found himself frozen out of the first-team picture following the deadline-day arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma. With his path to the number one shirt blocked, the England international is reportedly desperate for minutes to keep his 2026 World Cup hopes alive.
Newcastle "Front of the Queue"
The latest betting patterns suggest that Newcastle United are firmly in the driver’s seat. Eddie Howe’s side have held a long-standing interest in the Cumbrian goalkeeper, having narrowly missed out on his signature during the summer window.
The Magpies are in the market for a long-term successor to Nick Pope, and Trafford’s profile—excellent with his feet and commanding in his area—fits Howe’s tactical evolution perfectly. The dramatic shortening of odds implies that insider knowledge expects a deal to be concluded swiftly once the window opens.
Chelsea and Liverpool Left Behind?
While Chelsea and Liverpool have also been credited with interest, the market movement indicates they are drifting out of the race. Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation remains chaotic, while Liverpool are primarily viewing Trafford as a potential replacement for Caoimhin Kelleher rather than an immediate starter.
For Trafford, St James' Park offers the clearest route to first-team football. With Newcastle fighting on multiple fronts and looking to secure European football again, the project appeals to a player who needs a platform to showcase his talent immediately.
City’s Stance Softens
Initially, Pep Guardiola was adamant that Trafford would remain as the club’s number two for the season. However, the report suggests that City’s stance has softened due to the player’s unhappiness. The Premier League champions are rarely in the business of keeping unhappy players, and if Newcastle can match their valuation—or agree to a loan with a mandatory purchase option—City will likely sanction the move.
What Happens Next?
With the odds tumbling and the player pushing for an exit, this transfer feels like a matter of "when" rather than "if." Expect Newcastle to lodge a formal bid in the opening days of January, looking to wrap up a deal that could finally solve their goalkeeping succession plan.