Newcastle eyeing Verbruggen as Trafford alternative | OneFootball

Newcastle United are considering a move for Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen this summer, according to The I Paper.

The Magpies are ready to bring in a long-term solution to their goalkeeping issues, and the Dutchman is on the shortlist.

Newcastle shot-stopper Nick Pope is 33 and clearly declining. The Magpies need someone to take the mantle from the Englishman.

Aaron Ramsdale arrived at St James’ Park on loan for the season and has been a serviceable understudy, but he has not shown enough to earn a permanent transfer.

James Trafford was the club’s first-choice target last summer, but he ultimately moved to Man City. Any attempt to bring him to Newcastle will be complicated.

“Verbruggen is one alternative under consideration,” The I Paper states.

Why Newcastle should pull out all the stops to sign Trafford ahead of Verbruggen

First of all, Trafford trumps Verbruggen in the primary role of shot-stopper.

Trafford’s goal prevented numbers last season were a staggering 12.62, while Verbruggen’s were -6.27, one of the worst in the top flight.

Even this season, Trafford’s Premier League numbers are slightly better, although the sample size skews results.

Secondly, Newcastle will have to cough up north of £50 million to secure Verbruggen’s signature. The Seagulls notoriously drive a hard bargain.

For the Geordies, it might be easier/cheaper to get Trafford out of City, considering he has Gianluigi Donnarumma ahead of him in the pecking order.

Lastly, Verbruggen has made five errors that have led to goals in the league last season.

He is prone to howlers, and it doesn’t look like he can cut them out of his game anytime soon.

Verbruggen is unsure when crosses come in, and his kicking game has not improved much in England.

While he is still a top talent, Newcastle might be better served pursuing Trafford.