Newcastle’s goalkeeper shortlist analysed: The 84.6% stat that separates Bart Verbruggen, Robin Risser and James Trafford
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Credit: Imago Thu 7 May 2026 11:35, UK Newcastle United are reportedly determined to sign a new goalkeeper this summer amid doubts over Nick Pope’s future. The 34-year-old will enter the last year of his contract this summer and has made a series of mistakes this season, losing his place in the team to Aaron Ramsdale at one stage.
The Magpies have identified Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, Manchester City’s James Trafford and RC Lens stopper Robin Risser as their ideal targets.With Newcastle transfer chiefs hoping to sign one of the three goalkeepers this summer, Football Insider has compared them statistically. 🔄 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’s goalkeeper targets comparedFootball Insider exclusively revealed last week that Aston Villa are to step up their pursuit of Trafford amid Unai Emery’s own goalkeeper concerns.Newcastle will have to move quickly if they are to sign the 23-year-old, who appears to feature at the top of the list for Eddie Howe.James TraffordStats – Carabao Cup 2025-26Appearances6Goals conceded2Save percentage 87.5%Goals prevented1.81Successful pass %68.6%Trafford’s desire to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer is well-reported, after Man City’s signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma scuppered his hopes of being Pep Guardiola’s number one.Verbruggen has enjoyed a strong season for Brighton and will likely be an expensive option, while Risser represents an exciting alternative.
The Frenchman, just 21, was playing in Ligue 2 last season, but has broken through and featured in every one of Lens’ league games this season as they challenge for the Ligue 1 title.According to The Telegraph, all three shot-stoppers feature at the top of Newcastle’s transfer wishlist.Trafford’s lack of league minutes makes it difficult to compare him fairly to the other goalkeepers, but his performance in the Championship last season represents a good account of his ability.First to note are the errors – the England international did not make a single one that led to a goal last season, whereas Verbruggen has made four this season, and Risser, one.When it comes to passing, all three goalkeepers present a similar pass percentage (Trafford, 70.3 per cent, Verbruggen, 76.4 per cent, Risser, 78.1 per cent), with the Man City man specialising in long balls.It is important to note that a goalkeeper’s passing stats will often come down to how his manager has asked him to pass the ball, with many teams preferring to go long frequently.Trafford excels statisticallyLooking at the most important stats for a goalkeeper, directly relating to their ability to stop the ball from going into the net, it is not much of a contest. Last season, Trafford boasted an 84.6 per cent save percentage, preventing an extraordinary 12.6 goals and saving two penalties.Risser’s 69.2 per cent save percentage is respectable, and his 4.65 goals conceded is a superb return for a goalkeeper of his age.