‘Chelsea launch transfer hijack attempt on Newcastle move for James Trafford’
Chelsea have taken action as they look to overtake Newcastle United for Burnley keeper James Trafford.
After a strong start to the campaign for the Blues under Enzo Maresca, things have tailed off in the second half of the season.
The Stamford Bridge outfit are now fighting to qualify for the Champions League, while the UEFA Conference League is their only hope of silverware.
Bringing in new players once the market opens is therefore going to be vital for Chelsea ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Maresca’s side now look as though they are set to try and beat Newcastle at a position of ongoing uncertainty in West London.
James Trafford suitors grow ahead of Burnley exit
According to a report from The Sun, Chelsea have asked about signing goalkeeper Trafford from Burnley in the summer.
The 22-year-old has been in outstanding form for the Clarets this season, who have conceded just 15 goals in 45 league games en route to winning automatic promotion from the Championship.
Despite that, it is reportedly still anticipated that the goalkeeper will leave Turf Moor in the summer, and Newcastle have been heavily linked with a move for Trafford.
| James Trafford 2024/25 Championship stats | Total (as per SofaScore) |
| Appearances | 44 |
| Goals Conceded | 15 |
| Goals Prevented | 12.68 |
| Saves per Game | 1.9 |
| Penalties Saved | 2/2 |
The latest news indicates that the Magpies remain likely to beat Chelsea to the signing of the England Under-21 international after they missed out on signing him last year.
Even so, the Blues have still enquired about the potential availability of Trafford in the hope they can swoop in and do a deal of their own.
Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen struggle
Football Insider Verdict
It makes sense that the decision makes at Stamford Bridge are looking into the potential signing of a new goalkeeper this summer.
Chelsea fans have been critical of first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez over a number of costly errors over the course of this season.
Meanwhile, Filip Jorgensen has struggled when stepping in for Maresca’s side, with some mistakes of his own that have led to damaging results.
With that in mind, a number one goalkeeper could be an important addition between the posts, to provide some much needed stability at Stamford Bridge.
Trafford would arrive at Chelsea full of confidence from his excellent season at Burnley, and he has had experience of the Premier League in the past, which the incoming Mike Penders won’t have but the returning Djordje Petrovic will.
He’s also a young prospect which suits the transfer model at Stamford Bridge, and beating a potential rival in Newcastle to this deal would also be a boost, so it looks like this is worth pursuing for the Blues.