Ross Wilson plots next Newcastle United transfer move after Leeds swoop & £26m transfer clause truth
Newcastle United transfers: The Magpies’ goalkeeper transfer situation has taken a couple of fresh twists this week.
Newcastle United have missed out on long-term target James Trafford, but a new name has entered the mix over the past week.
Trafford, a goalkeeper who twice agreed to join Newcastle in 2024 and 2025 only for the club to fail to strike a deal with Burnley. In 2024, a fee couldn’t be agreed, but in 2025 the clubs did indeed reach an agreement only for Manchester City to swoop in and trigger a buyback at the last minute.
Newcastle’s interest in Trafford remained this summer transfer window, with the player’s future set to be decided after the World Cup. But unlike the previous two summers, the Magpies sensed some reservations in the 23-year-old wanting to make the move to St James’ Park this time around and have since distanced themselves from a potential deal.
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That has seen Premier League side Leeds United swoop in and agree a deal worth in excess of £40million with Manchester City to sign the England international.
It leaves Newcastle exploring their options elsewhere, with one target now high on their agenda. The Gazette reported at the start of the summer transfer window that Newcastle would pursue another goalkeeper in addition to the signing of 20-year-old Ewen Jaouen.
Nick Pope allowed to leave
That goalkeeper would likely be the club’s new first-choice goalkeeper with Nick Pope available to leave this summer now he is into the final year of his contract. As previously reported, sources close to the situation have described Pope’s chances of staying as ‘50/50’.
Now, Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek has emerged as a top goalkeeper target for the Magpies as an alternative to Trafford. The 24-year-old Czech international has impressed in the Portuguese league in recent seasons and has a release clause in the region of £25.6million, making him a potentially cost-effective option compared to the significant figures being talked about regarding Trafford.
The Braga goalkeeper had been linked with a move to Hull City, who also hold an interest in Pope, but snubbed a move to the newly-promoted side.
Hornicek’s release clause makes matters easier when it comes to negotiations for Newcastle but, as they found out with Victor Munoz and Liverpool, leaves them vulnerable to another club swooping in to strike a deal.