Newcastle could be about to match Arsenal after James Trafford reveal – Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has warned adding James Trafford in the summer window could cause squad unrest at Newcastle United.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – drew parallels to the battle between Aaron Ramsdale and David Raya at Arsenal this season.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (27 May) that Liverpool and Newcastle are set to go head-to-head for Burnley goalkeeper Trafford this summer.
It is believed both clubs view the 21-year-old as a top-class second-choice option.
Trafford made 28 starts for Burnley in the Premier League this term and conceded 62 goals before being dropped to the bench.
Newcastle must get Trafford signing right, says Wyness
Nick Pope is the first-choice shot-stopper at St James’ Park but missed a huge portion of the 2023-24 campaign with a shoulder injury.
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “Trafford is a bit younger if you’re comparing it to the Raya-Ramsdale situation at Arsenal where there wasn’t an obvious junior.
“In this case, I think Trafford would be the obvious junior.
“He’s technically a good keeper but there were some issues towards the end of the season.
“Eddie Howe and the powers that be feel he is the right choice.
“But it’s a difficult situation. When there is tension between goalkeepers, as we’ve seen at Arsenal, it isn’t a healthy environment.
“Having a good fit with a backup keeper in terms of personality is key to squad happiness and cohesiveness.
“We saw a lot of negative publicity and pressure at Arsenal. The keeper has to communicate so much, and it has to be a solid unit.
“If there are niggles, then it’s not a healthy situation.”
In other news, Newcastle’s updated stance on Bruno Guimaraes exit revealed.
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