Bart Verbruggen shows why James Trafford must be top Newcastle target as keeper shortlist emerges

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Credit: Imago Thu 7 May 2026 7:15, UK James Trafford has to be Newcastle United‘s main goalkeeper target ahead of Bart Verbruggen after the Brighton stopper’s poor performance at St James’ Park last weekend.Both goalkeepers are believed to be on Newcastle’s shortlist as they seek a new signing to provide competition to Nick Pope next season.Trafford has struggled for game time at Man City this season after he snubbed a move to St James’ Park to rejoin his boyhood club last summer.Verbruggen has been a regular in between the sticks for Brighton once more this term, but failed to impress last time out as they lost to Eddie Howe’s side.It remains to be seen which keeper will be firmly in Newcastle’s transfer plans for the summer, but it is clear that Trafford should be their favoured target after Verbruggen’s struggles. 🔄 Newcastle Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on deals in progress, signings, departures, and contract news from the Newcastle United boardroom. VISIT THE NEWCASTLE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Newcastle must prioritise James Trafford over Bart Verbruggen this summerVerbruggen’s error led to Will Osula opening the scoring for Newcastle against Brighton at St James’ Park last Saturday.The Dutch keeper has now made the outright most errors leading to a goal in the Premier League this season, while his overall performance against the Magpies left a lot to be desired.Saves4Error led to goal1Goals conceded3Accurate passes21/36Accurate long balls3/18Verbruggen’s stats vs NewcastleTrafford, on the flip side, has put in three separate strong performances against Newcastle this season, with City winning two EFL Cup ties and an FA Cup clash against Howe’s side with him in goal.The Telegraph‘s new report claims that both players are a part of Newcastle’s three-man goalkeeper shortlist for the summer, with Lens’ Robin Risser also an option.If Verbruggen can not handle the pressure of playing for Brighton at St James’, then it would be a surprise to see him be a shrewd signing for the Magpies anytime soon.Trafford has displayed his talents to Howe in the flesh on three separate occasions, and regardless of respective price tags and wages, the England man clearly must be Newcastle’s first choice target this summer.What has Trafford said about his future ahead of the summer?The Telegraph’s report claims that Trafford remains open to joining Newcastle after he had told family and friends that the move was on last summer before Man City entered the race.Newcastle will not find a move easy this summer, with sources revealing to Football Insider that Aston Villa want Trafford and are planning to accelerate a move soon.Trafford has been candid about his future at Man City, with an exit seeming inevitable following what he said earlier this year.After an FA Cup win against Salford City, he said: “Obviously everyone knows what’s going on with me, so I’ve just got to play as well as I can whenever I play.“Let’s take it a day at a time and try and work as hard as I can and whatever happens, happens.“I’ve obviously got a contract.

I don’t know what happens next season. I just know that I’ll just take it a day at a time and try and improve.” Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Newcastle Insider Access Get the full story from St James’ Park and Darsley Park with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Tyneside.