(Credit: Hasan Karim/Getty Images)

Aasif Rahman

Fri 21 February 2025 17:13, UK

Newcastle fans are debating the future of Nick Pope after fresh updates emerged regarding the club’s pursuit of Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.

Pope has spent the last few months sidelined with a knee injury but is now fully fit and available for selection. Meanwhile, Newcastle’s goalkeeping situation has been a hot topic among supporters, especially after Martin Dubravka’s struggles in the side’s 4-0 defeat to Manchester City on 16 February.

Many Newcastle fans have called for Dubravka to be dropped, but with Pope returning and Odysseas Vlachodimos also in the squad, there’s uncertainty over who should be the club’s number one moving forward.

Now, the situation has taken another twist following an update from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who revealed that Newcastle had already “agreed personal terms” with Burnley’s Trafford back in 2024.

James Trafford breaks Championship record amid Newcastle links

Trafford has been in outstanding form for Scott Parker’s side this season as they push for promotion back to the Premier League.

The Clarets have recorded a remarkable 11 consecutive clean sheets, setting a new league record and further cementing Trafford’s reputation as one of the top young goalkeepers in English football.

Football Insider previously reported that Newcastle were keen on signing Trafford last summer, but a deal failed to materialise.

However, with the 22-year-old continuing to shine this season, interest from top clubs has only grown. He has has started 32 league games for Burnley, conceding just nine goals, making him a standout performer in the Championship.

With Tottenham and Liverpool also previously linked to Trafford, Newcastle appear to have positioned themselves ahead of the competition by already agreeing personal terms with the England U21 international—though no deal has yet been finalised.

Newcastle fans ready to see Nick Pope leave if Trafford signs

Dubravka recently signed a new contract with Newcastle, and with Pope’s recurring injury problems, fans believe that if Trafford arrives, Pope could be the one to make way.

The 32-year-old has already missed 11 games this season and was absent for 29 matches last season due to a shoulder injury. With the side reportedly making early moves for Burnley ‘keeper, many supporters are convinced a transfer is only a matter of time—and that Pope could be on his way out.

One fan commented, “Pope will be off” while another suggested, “Trafford fits the bill perfectly” for how Eddie Howe wants his goalkeeper to play. Some have even speculated that Pope could return to Burnley as part of a potential swap deal.