James Trafford’s future at Burnley has been the subject of transfer speculation ever since the club suffered relegation to the Championship.
It was reported in the summer by Alan Nixon that Newcastle United were looking to secure a deadline day move for the goalkeeper, but an agreement failed to materialise, with The Athletic suggesting the top flight club could reignite their interest this January if a goalkeeping option is sold.
The 22-year-old has been a key figure for the Clarets throughout the campaign, with Burnley setting their sights on a return to the Premier League at the first attempt.
The goalkeeper has conceded just nine goals from 25 appearances in the Championship so far, keeping an impressive 16 clean sheets.
Amid the speculation over his Burnley future, we look at how his wages compare to Newcastle’s existing goalkeeper options Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka…
| James Trafford – Burnley league goals conceded and appearances (per Fbref.com) | ||||
| Season | Appearances | Goals Conceded (Clean Sheets) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 28 | 62 (2) | ||
| 2024-25 | 25 | 9 (16) | ||
| As of January 11th | ||||
Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka Newcastle salary
According to estimated figures from Capology, Pope is earning a weekly salary of £60,000.
The goalkeeper is just below the average salary of the Magpies’ first team squad, which amounts to £62,063.
The 32-year-old signed his most recent deal with the Tyneside outfit in the summer of 2022 following his move from Burnley.
Pope joined on a four-year deal, which is set to expire in the summer of 2026, which raises questions over his long-term future at the club with only 18 months remaining on that contract.
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The England international is a key figure in Eddie Howe’s side, and is the preferred option over Dubravka when both are available for selection.
Injuries have hampered Pope over the last 12 months, meaning the Slovakian goalkeeper has featured five times in the Premier League this season despite being second choice.
The 35-year-old is earning £40,000 per week at Newcastle, and has a contract with the club until the end of the current campaign, leading to even further speculation over his future at St. James’ Park.
Given one or both of these experienced shot-stoppers could be set for an exit over the next year or so, this will only increase their potential interest in a player like Trafford.
James Trafford Burnley wages
The average weekly salary at Burnley is much smaller than Newcastle’s, amounting to £20,552.
However, Trafford is an above-average earner at Turf Moor, receiving £25,000 per week from the Championship side.
The former Manchester City youngster joined Burnley following their promotion to the Premier League in the summer of 2023 under Vincent Kompany.
The 22-year-old signed a contract that runs until the summer of 2027, meaning the Clarets have a stronger negotiating position if any interest arises in the player.
However, Newcastle are very likely to be able to offer Trafford a significant pay increase, as well as the opportunity to compete for Premier League game time, meaning it will be difficult to persuade him to stay in Lancashire.
Burnley’s other goalkeeping options are Vaclav Hladky and Etienne Green.
Hladky and Green are both secondary choices and are unlikely to supplant Trafford from Parker’s starting lineup.
That status is reflected in their salary, with the pair both earning £10,000 per week from the Championship side.
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