Liverpool are weighing up a move for a Manchester City player who is growing increasingly unsettled, as uncertainty surrounds the future of one their own players heading into the summer.
Reports suggest the Merseyside club are exploring options as they prepare for a period of transition by replacing Alisson Becker with James Trafford.
Liverpool expect the exits of long-serving players and the situation has already been widely discussed, fresh developments indicate that further changes could be on the horizon.
Attention has now turned to the future of first-choice goalkeeper Alisson, whose situation has become increasingly uncertain.
According to recent reports, the Brazilian has verbally agreed personal terms with Juventus, raising the possibility of a summer move to Italy.
The Serie A club are said to view the Brazilian as a priority target, with their ambition to secure his signature described as a ‘dream’.
Trafford emerges as a target
As Liverpool assess their options, James Trafford has emerged as a potential candidate to fill any vacancy between the posts.
The young goalkeeper, who joined Manchester City last summer, is understood to be frustrated with his current role at the club.
Trafford had initially believed he would be installed as City’s first-choice goalkeeper. However, the subsequent arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma altered those plans significantly, relegating him to a secondary position.
Despite limited opportunities, Trafford has impressed when called upon, most notably during City’s League Cup final victory over Arsenal.
Nevertheless, the lack of regular playing time has left the goalkeeper eager to move on after just one season.
He is reportedly keen to join a club where he can secure a guaranteed starting role, rather than competing for minutes.
Liverpool are not alone in monitoring his situation. Chelsea have also ‘declared interest’ in the player, while Aston Villa, Tottenham and Newcastle United are all said to be keeping a close watch.
Newcastle’s long-standing admiration for Trafford has also been highlighted once again.
It is believed that a bid in the region of £30m could be sufficient to persuade Manchester City to part ways with the goalkeeper.
Should multiple clubs formalise their interest, City are thought to be open to a bidding situation that could increase the eventual transfer fee.
Conditions that could shape a deal
Any potential move to Liverpool would depend on several key factors. Chief among them is the future of Alisson.
Trafford is unlikely to join a club where he would face immediate competition for the starting role, given his recent experience at City.
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For Liverpool, this means that any approach would almost certainly require assurances over Trafford’s status as the number one goalkeeper. Such a guarantee, however, could have wider implications within the squad.
Mamardashvili, who is also part of Liverpool’s long-term planning, could find his own position under threat if Trafford were to be installed as the first choice.
That scenario may create further complications for the club’s recruitment strategy, as they look to balance immediate needs with future development.
Ultimately, Liverpool’s interest in Trafford reflects a broader period of transition. With key departures looming and uncertainty surrounding their current goalkeeper, the club appear to be carefully considering their next move.
