Burnley can fend off Newcastle’s James Trafford advances on one condition: View | OneFootball

Burnley held onto James Trafford beyond the summer transfer window despite intense interest from Newcastle United

Burnley held onto James Trafford over the summer transfer window despite intense interest from Newcastle United, but his long-term future at the club is far from guaranteed.

When Burnley suffered relegation to the Championship last season, it was expected that Trafford could be one of the first names to go, with Fabrizio Romano reporting in June that personal terms had even been agreed with the Magpies ahead of a potential move.

However, deadline day came and went last month and the goalkeeper remains at Turf Moor, and he has even played in three of their opening four league games this season (all stats from Fbref).

Burnley will now be focused on a promotion battle in the Championship, but proving successful in that endeavour may be the only way to ensure someone of Trafford’s calibre remains with the club beyond the next year.

His current contract doesn’t expire until 2027, but remaining in the second tier long-term will put immediate pressure on the club to allow him to move on, especially if Premier League clubs come knocking.

James Trafford is a key Burnley asset

The signing of Trafford in the summer of 2023 raised a lot of eyebrows, as he made the switch from Manchester City for £15 million, according to the BBC.

The 21-year-old is a very highly rated young goalkeeper, so his staying is a real coup for the Lancashire outfit.

Trafford will now play a key role in Scott Parker’s side, at least until the January transfer window opens next calendar year.

But the only way to keep him will be to ensure that a proper promotion challenge is sustained this season.

While the team struggled last term in the Premier League, the youngster still stood out as a very talented young option between the sticks, making 28 appearances in the top flight, so it was no surprise when speculation of a move to Newcastle surfaced.

He can now help Burnley in their bid to gain promotion straight back to the first division, with the club having done well to hold onto him.

But a mixed start to the campaign will shake his confidence in the Clarets being the right place for him to develop his career.

The importance of a strong first half of the season for Burnley

The January transfer window must not be forgotten either, as Newcastle, or another Premier League side, could yet opt for a winter switch.

But if the Clarets are on the right path towards a top two spot, then that can convince the goalkeeper that the club is on the right path.

Seven points from their opening four games isn’t a stellar record, but it has kept Burnley in the mix around the play-off places.

This weekend’s clash with Leeds United is a chance to lay down a marker for the next few months, and a win at Elland Road would be a massive boost to the morale at the Lancashire outfit.

But if Burnley lose, and inconsistent form has them outside the top three or four by Christmas, then it would be no surprise if Newcastle reignited their summer interest to swoop in and snatch him from Parker’s squad.