Newcastle United face a pivotal few weeks that will define their season, but Eddie Howe also has one eye on potential reinforcements once the window opens.
Newcastle injuries show need for transfer activity
The Carabao Cup final is the talk of the town in Newcastle ahead of next week’s showdown against Liverpool at Wembley. Still, the Magpies first have to focus on the challenge of taking three points away to West Ham United on Monday evening.
Injuries and suspensions have limited the options Eddie Howe has at his disposal for both fixtures. The former Bournemouth boss confirmed Sven Botman will undergo an operation that is set to rule him out for eight weeks.
Saying that, Alexander Isak is available after a bout of fatigue: “Alex is fine. Sunday, when he came off, he was feeling a bit fatigued towards the end of the game, some tightness in his body. He has trained every day and he’s good.”
Anthony Gordon is to serve a three match ban for violent conduct, while Jamaal Lascelles and Lewis Hall are also sidelined for the foreseeable future. Evaluating recent events, it feels only right that Newcastle boss Howe will look to strengthen this summer ahead of another loaded Premier League campaign.
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Swedish superstar Isak has been linked with a move away from Tyneside, paving the way for the Geordies’ interest in Fiorentina striker Moise Kean to generate widespread attention. West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be monitoring his situation and could trigger his £44 million release clause.
Casting an eye over Newcastle’s alternative transfer priorities, reports suggest they could also be set to solidify their goalkeeping ranks during the close season.
Magpies confident they will sign Burnley's James Trafford
According to GIVEMESPORT, Newcastle United retain confidence that they can sign James Trafford from Burnley this summer despite his asking price rising to £30 million inclusive of add-ons.
The England Under-21 international is viewed as Nick Pope’s long-term replacement and would be open to a move to Tyneside, having been made aware of the Magpies’ interest.
James Trafford’s Burnley statistics 2024/25 – EFL Championship
Appearances
34
Clean sheets
24
Save percentage rate
87%
Goals prevented (Expected Goals value)
10.32
High claims
18
Labelled “brilliant” by Ian Wright, the former Manchester City youth has also been on the radar of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in past windows.
Thomas Tuchel has spoken to the Burnley stopper about his future aspirations with England, so he may also be in line for senior honours in one of their upcoming camps. Likely to want a guarantee of minutes at Newcastle, the 22-year-old’s prospective arrival in the North East could spell the end for Martin Dubravka at St James’ Park.
With the long-term security of his backline paramount, the onus is now on Howe and PIF to push through a deal once the summer window catches fire.
