After joining Manchester City in late July, goalkeeper James Trafford already appears to be heading for the exit door at the Etihad.
Barely five months into his second spell with the club, the former Burnley shot-stopper is reportedly seeking a move away as the January transfer window approaches, having struggled for game time since his arrival.
Transfer News Blitz writer Luke Maddison breaks down why Trafford wants to leave – and which clubs could be ready to make a move.
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HE WANTS TO LEAVE, BUT WHY?
Manchester City re-signed Trafford in the summer in a £31 million deal, activating a clause inserted into his contract when he was sold to Burnley in 2023.
Upon his return, the young England goalkeeper was handed the number one shirt and expected to challenge Ederson for the starting role. But the landscape shifted quickly. Just weeks later, Ederson departed for Fenerbahce, forcing City into the market once more and increasing the pressure on Trafford to step up.
City’s solution arrived soon after in the form of Gianluigi Donnarumma. Since the Italian international joined from PSG on a five-year deal worth £26 million in early September, Trafford has found himself firmly second choice. All three of his league appearances came before Donnarumma’s arrival, and he has not featured in the Premier League since.
Reports now suggest Trafford is ready to leave, frustrated by the uncertainty surrounding his role and the lack of opportunities under Pep Guardiola. At 23, regular minutes are a priority – something he is not currently receiving at City.
WHERE COULD HE END UP?
With his exit now pretty much inevitable, there will be a few clubs looking to secure the goalkeeper’s signature in the upcoming January transfer window.
The biggest of the links would definitely be Newcastle United, the club had a fee agreed in the summer for Trafford, but the deal fell through after City triggered the clause in his contract.
With Nick Pope putting up a few howlers already this season and Aaron Ramsdale only currently on loan, the Magpies might eventually get their long-term target.
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly looking to sign the 23-year-old, and depending on whether Trafford would like a trip back to the Championship, Wolves are also interested.
The young keeper was rated one of the best players in the 24/25 Championship campaign, meaning there will be many sides sniffing around the Etihad doors to get him in between the sticks.
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