Newcastle United’s rebuild is taking a bit longer than expected, and even though there is already a new goalie signed for next season, strengthening the net remains one of the clearest priorities of Eddie Howe this summer.
The Magpies moved early to land a player not entirely necessary, given other, much more pressing issues in the squad, and signed Ewen Jaouen from Reims.
According to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, Howe still wants a new No. 1 goalkeeper, with Jaouen viewed as a high-upside option rather
than an immediate starter for the 2026-27 season.
“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.”
Waugh confirmed that Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford remains the player Howe would ideally like to sign, with Newcastle having pursued the England international for two years but failing to get him.
“Trafford is the man Howe has sought for two years and the Manchester City shot-stopper remains the ‘keeper he would ideally like to sign,” Waugh wrote.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein previously reported that Newcastle had rekindled their interest in Trafford and made fresh contact with Manchester City in early June, though formal negotiations between clubs have not started.
Trafford made only 17 appearances for City last season after Gianluigi Donnarumma became the first choice, and it’s likely he’d prefer to get minutes and a starting role elsewhere following such a disappointing campaign.
Waugh added that a more experienced goalkeeper does not necessarily mean a much older option, as Trafford is only 23 but already an England international with Premier League experience.
Nick Pope’s future, meanwhile, seems to depend on whatever happens with the Trafford transfer or any other goalie arriving in Tyneside. Pope’s sale is more likely than not, but Newcastle will not allow the 34-year-old to leave unless they have signed a replacement.
