James Trafford turned down Newcastle United because he has more chances of becoming England first-choice at Manchester City | OneFootball

English goalkeeper James Trafford has explained that he turned down a summer move to Newcastle United because he has more chances of realising his potential at Manchester City.

Newcastle had a bid accepted for the 22-year-old earlier this summer and manager Eddie Howe thought he was going to swap Burnley for the St James’ Park club having made several attempts to sign him for months.

However, Man City activated a clause that they inserted in the deal that saw Trafford join the Clarets in 2023.

Burnley were required to inform the Etihad Stadium club of any accepted bids for the goalie and allowed them to match the bid, which saw the Magpies miss out on him.

Trafford is now backing himself to become the long-term first-choice at his new club and for the England national team, revealing he opted against moving to Newcastle to achieve his dream with the Three Lions.

“There was obviously a decision to make,” Trafford said.

“City were the best option for my career and I obviously believe in myself. I believed this was the right place for me as a goalkeeper. I wasn’t surprised when (City came in for him) but I don’t really think too far ahead. When they did, I thought, ‘OK, sound.’ ”

Newcastle had to settle for a loan deal for Southampton goalie Aaron Ramsdale in the end, and the former Arsenal star will now look to establish himself as first-choice ahead of Nick Pope in 2025-26 and going forward.

Martin Dubravka has left for Burnley after seven seasons with the Toons, but Howe has two solid options to choose from despite the departure of the Slovakia international and missing out on Trafford.

Newcastle are also set to announce the signing of Germany international centre-back Malick Thiaw from AC Milan.

He is expected to have his medical on Monday ahead of the switch, and the Toons will now look to strengthen in midfield and attack during the final three weeks of the summer transfer window.