ENGLAND (CONVERSEER) – Burnley have completed the signing of Germany Under-20 goalkeeper Max Weiss from Karlsruher SC, amid mounting speculation linking current first-choice James Trafford with a move to Newcastle United.
The Clarets, preparing for a Premier League return after finishing as runners-up to Leeds United in the 2024/25 Championship season, will reportedly pay £4.3 million for Weiss, who featured in all 34 matches for Karlsruher in the 2. Bundesliga last term.
Weiss, 21, becomes Burnley’s first acquisition of the summer transfer window and could be in line to take the number one shirt at Turf Moor should Trafford depart in the coming weeks.
Speaking to Burnley’s official website, Weiss said: “I’m really excited to be here. It’s an amazing club with a big ambition. All the conversations I have had with people from here have been so good and very positive.”
His arrival comes as Trafford continues to be heavily linked with a high-profile switch to Newcastle United. The Magpies are reportedly preparing a bid in the region of £40 million for the England youth international, who enjoyed a record-equalling season in the Championship.
Trafford, 21, kept 29 clean sheets in 45 league appearances last season, matching the all-time English Football League single-season record held by Ray King (Port Vale, 1953/54) and Jim Stannard (Gillingham, 1995/96).
According to Opta’s expected goals on target (xGoT) data, only Stoke City’s Viktor Johansson (15.8) prevented more goals than Trafford (12.5) across the Championship in 2024/25. Trafford also posted a remarkable 84.5% save percentage, underlining his key role in Burnley’s promotion.
Burnley, under new manager Scott Parker, will begin their 2025/26 Premier League campaign away to Tottenham Hotspur on 16 August, before hosting fellow promoted side Sunderland at Turf Moor a week later.
