£75k-p/w goalkeeper is “one to keep an eye on” as Newcastle plot shock move

As Newcastle United look to solve their goalkeeper problem, a new option has reportedly emerged as one to watch in what would be one of the most surprising moves of the summer.

Newcastle’s goalkeeper problem

Since last summer, Newcastle’s interest in James Trafford has been a fairly open secret. Reports even suggested that the Burnley shot-stopper had already agreed terms with the Magpies. One year on, however, Burnley are back in the Premier League and it remains to be seen whether the England international will complete a long-awaited move.

If it’s not to be Trafford, then whether Newcastle turn their attention elsewhere is the big question. Current No.1 Nick Pope had more injury problems throughout the 2024/25 campaign and with both him and Martin Dubravka not getting any younger, Eddie Howe could certainly do with a fresh face in between the sticks this summer.

The numbers do not paint a pretty picture for those at St James’ Park- the fact that Pope missed 10 Premier League games should send alarm bells ringing around Tyneside. With Champions League football to balance alongside domestic action next season, the last thing that Howe needs is for his No.1 to miss an extended period through injury again.

PIF should have money to spend this time around following a frustrating period amid PSR issues, and a large sum of that money should be spent on giving Howe a major upgrade in between the sticks. If recent reports are anything to go by though, the Magpies could be in for a shock on that front.

Fraser Forster is “one to keep an eye on”

According to The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Fraser Forster is now “one to keep an eye on” as Newcastle look to sign another goalkeeper. The shot-stopper is likely to replace Odysseas Vlachodimos if he does arrive, with the former Nottingham Forest man among players who are likely to be shown the door at St James’ Park this summer.

Signing Forster, even if Vlachodimos departs, would remain a surprising move by Newcastle. Their current crop of goalkeepers is already an ageing one and adding a 37-year-old to that would hardly ease that problem – especially one who reportedly earns £75,000-a-week.

The Tottenham goalkeeper is still someone who earned the praise of Ange Posescoglou back in December, however, with the Australian telling reporters after Forster’s mistake against Liverpool: “He’s disappointed as well, because he was outstanding for us [before]. He didn’t have a lot to do before then. And even the first half, I thought he was really good with his feet.”

Whilst Forster is a player with plenty of experience, what is clear is that Newcastle will need more than just his arrival to solve their shot-stopping problems this summer.