As it’s been widely reported, Newcastle United’s search for a new starting goalkeeper remains alive even after the club moved early to sign Ewen Jaouen from Reims, who is seen as a young, developing backup for now.
The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope has named James Trafford as the player Newcastle still has as their No. 1 target in the goalie market, with the Manchester City player waiting until after the World Cup before deciding his future.
“Club chiefs have maintained a dialogue around Manchester City
goalkeeper James Trafford, but have been told he will only decide on his future after the World Cup,” Hope wrote. “He remains the top target to play ahead of Ewen Jaouen, the 20-year-old keeper who has joined from Reims for £18m,” Hope wrote.
The Athletic’s Chris Waugh previously reported that Howe still wants a new starter in goal, despite Jaouen’s arrival.
“Eddie Howe wants a new No 1 as a priority,” Waugh wrote. “Ewen Jaouen has huge potential but Newcastle want him to challenge another goalkeeper in 2026-27.”
Trafford made only 17 appearances for Manchester City last season after Gianluigi Donnarumma became the first choice following an unexpected summer move that left the England international on the outside looking in.
In other transfer business, Hope also reported that Newcastle also wants a right back, and likely midfielders, but those and other moves will depend on exits.
On that front, Anthony Gordon has already joined Barcelona, while Sandro Tonali is headed to Tottenham and Bruno could follow them if he agrees to leave for Arsenal.
