Newcastle Put Trafford Pursuit on Ice as Wages Prove a Hurdle

File this under sensible rather than splashy: Newcastle United are pressing pause on any January dash for Manchester City’s James Trafford. According to Craig Hope, the long-running pursuit is set to be mothballed for this window, largely because the figures don’t stack up.

As things stand, Newcastle are not expected to make a January swoop. If you’re weighing up the odds on what comes next, our best betting sites guide has you covered while the window rumbles on.

Why the Trafford deal is off — for now

The Magpies have courted Trafford for what feels like forever, with drawn-out sagas across recent windows. They even thought they’d sealed it last summer before City crashed the party at the last minute. Then came a twist: City brought in Gianluigi Donnarumma after Ederson’s move to Fenerbahce, leaving Trafford parked as understudy.

Trafford, hailed by some as a genuine top-tier talent after his record-setting campaign with Burnley, needs minutes to keep his World Cup ambitions alive under Thomas Tuchel. But Hope says Newcastle won’t rekindle talks in January, with the keeper’s upgraded City wages a key sticking point.

Keeper room already crowded on Tyneside

From a squad-building point of view, it adds up. Nick Pope remains Eddie Howe’s first pick when available, and Aaron Ramsdale’s arrival on loan provides solid cover — plus there’s an option to make that permanent if it suits all parties. In short, it’s hard to justify a costly chase for another No 1 when other areas are shouting louder for investment.

Where Newcastle will look instead

The focus, by the sound of it, is shifting to outfield reinforcements. Newcastle are trying to bring in Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie this month to bolster the back line — a nod to the real pinch points in the squad and the need for depth if they’re to keep pace in the run-in.

What it means for Trafford

For Trafford, the path is clear: play football now or risk standing still. A January move somewhere feels plausible, but barring a dramatic late turn, it won’t be to St James’ Park. Come summer, if circumstances change — wage demands, pecking orders, and Newcastle’s long-term planning — this love story could yet find a second act. For now, though, common sense wins the day on Tyneside.