Lewis-Skelly and Liam Delap react to James Trafford’s message after confirmed news
James Trafford is set to become a Premier League goalkeeper once again next season after Burnley’s promotion was confirmed.
Burnley‘s 2-1 victory over third-placed Sheffield United on Monday rubber-stamped theirs and Leeds United’s places in the Championship’s top two, as both were raised up to the top-flight automatically.
Trafford did concede just his 15th goal of the season when Tom Cannon equalised midway through the first half at Turf Moor, but Josh Brownhill‘s double either side of it was enough to send Burnley up.
Scott Parker’s side have maintained a staunch defensive record this campaign which has been in large part thanks to Trafford, and he’ll hope his second Premier League season goes much better than his first.
James Trafford post sparks reaction from Arsenal, Ipswich stars
Trafford is one of English football’s best young keepers and has already displaced Aaron Ramsdale in Thomas Tuchel’s England pecking order, despite playing at a lower level than the 26-year-old this term.
Although he missed out on keeping a 29th Championship clean sheet against Sheffield United, Trafford and Burnley still have two games left to potentially win 100 points and claim that record in the process.
| Position | Club | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GD | Points |
| 1 | Leeds United | 44 | 27 | 13 | 4 | +60 | 94 |
| 2 | Burnley | 44 | 26 | 16 | 2 | +46 | 94 |
| 3 | Sheffield United | 44 | 27 | 7 | 10 | +25 | 86 |
After Burnley’s promotion was sealed, Trafford took to Instagram (22 April) with a simple three-word message for Clarets fans, saying: “We did it.”
Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly and Trafford’s England Under-21s team-mate Liam Delap both liked the post, while the Three Lions’ own account also left a message to say; “Congratulations, James!”
Burnley the best place for James Trafford amid Newcastle links
Few fans in the North West – other than Blackburn and Preston fans – will have been displeased with Burnley’s immediate return to the top-flight, but in the North East, that’s likely a very different story.
Newcastle United have long since been fans of the 22-year-old as they prepare for a summer refresh of their goalkeepers department, with Trafford top of Eddie Howe’s list as they eye up three ‘key’ transfers.
Former Man United and Blackburn scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle want Trafford regardless of Burnley’s divisional status next season, but that will now be much easier said than done.
Burnley will be in no mood whatsoever to let their number one leave, and with promotion already in the bag across the Pennines, Newcastle could be forced to look at other targets between the sticks.