Newcastle United Emerge as Favorites to Sign Manchester City’s James Trafford Amid Looming Anthony Gordon Departure

Newcastle United lead the race for Man City star James Trafford as the club prepares to sell Anthony Gordon to Liverpool to fund a major summer rebuild.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 29, 2026, 9:50 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

The Race for James Trafford: Newcastle vs. Tottenham

Newcastle United have reclaimed their position as the frontrunners to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, according to reports from Football Insider. The Magpies were close to securing the 23-year-old’s signature last summer before Manchester City exercised a buy-back clause to bring him back to the Etihad. However, Trafford has reportedly become "not too happy" after being displaced as the number one choice by world-class signing Gianluigi Donnarumma. With Trafford seeking regular first-team football to maintain his international standing, a move to St. James' Park is now considered "increasingly likely" as Newcastle looks to upgrade their options between the posts.

Dissatisfaction and the Predicted Exit of Anthony Gordon

Despite the potential arrival of Trafford, Newcastle faces the difficult reality of losing several foundational players after failing to qualify for the Champions League. Chief among the potential departures is Anthony Gordon, who has reportedly seen a dip in popularity among segments of the Newcastle fanbase. Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness suggests that Gordon’s exit is a strategic necessity to raise funds for a broader squad overhaul. While Arsenal has shown interest, Wyness believes a move to Liverpool is the most probable outcome, stating that Newcastle may actually be "better off for a change" this summer as they look to move on from the disillusioned winger.

Financial Restructuring and the Rebuilding Phase

The Magpies' transfer strategy for 2026 is heavily dictated by the need to balance the books and reinvest in areas of weakness. Alongside Gordon, striker Nick Woltemade is also being mooted for a summer exit to help generate the capital required for high-profile acquisitions like Trafford. According to Pete O’Rourke, the club has continued to "keep tabs" on Trafford throughout the season, viewing him as a "pivotal" signing for their defensive transition. This rebuilding phase is seen as a critical juncture for the club's leadership as they attempt to return to the upper echelons of the Premier League following a season of domestic stagnation.