Manchester City are reportedly assessing a move to bring former academy goalkeeper Pierce Charles back to the club as uncertainty continues to surround the future of James Trafford at the Etihad Stadium.
Trafford’s situation has become one of the major talking points around City’s summer plans, with the England youth international now widely expected to seek a move away after finding regular opportunities difficult to secure under Pep Guardiola.
The 23-year-old only returned to Manchester last summer with hopes of challenging for the club’s number one shirt, but circumstances quickly changed during the campaign.
Although Trafford began the season as Guardiola’s preferred choice and featured in City’s opening three Premier League matches, his position in the team shifted dramatically following the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The Italian goalkeeper was brought in late in the transfer window as a replacement for long-serving first-choice keeper Ederson, and his arrival pushed Trafford down the pecking order.
Even so, Trafford still played an important role during the season. The goalkeeper made four league appearances and contributed during a successful campaign that ended with Manchester City winning both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.
His performances throughout the season have reportedly strengthened interest in him from elsewhere, with many believing his reputation has continued to grow despite limited league action.
According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, City are now considering former academy goalkeeper Pierce Charles as a possible replacement should Trafford complete an expected departure during the current transfer window.
Charles, currently with Sheffield Wednesday, endured a difficult season as the Yorkshire club suffered relegation to League One.
However, the setback has done little to diminish the growing belief around the 20-year-old’s ability and long-term potential. The goalkeeper is expected to look for a move away from Hillsborough in an attempt to continue his development at a higher level.
The report states that Manchester City are exploring the possibility of bringing Charles back to the club they left in 2020.
The Northern Ireland youth international departed City’s academy at the age of 16 in search of greater first-team opportunities and has since earned recognition as one of England’s most promising young goalkeepers.
There is currently no indication that negotiations between the two clubs have advanced significantly, though City’s recruitment department are believed to be monitoring the situation closely.
Sporting director Hugo Viana could yet decide to open discussions with Sheffield Wednesday, especially with Charles entering the final year of his contract.
Expected changes in the goalkeeping department at Man City
For Trafford, another season serving as backup may not be an attractive option, particularly after showing his quality whenever called upon during the previous campaign.
While Donnarumma established himself as Guardiola’s first-choice goalkeeper, Trafford remained professional and dependable whenever selected.
Many around the club reportedly believe the goalkeeper has reached a stage in his career where regular football is essential.
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At 23, Trafford is no longer viewed solely as a developing academy graduate but as a player capable of becoming a leading Premier League goalkeeper.
His performances during City’s domestic cup successes further strengthened that opinion. Calm under pressure and increasingly confident in possession, Trafford demonstrated several of the qualities Guardiola values highly in his goalkeepers.
Yet with Donnarumma expected to remain the preferred starter, Trafford’s pathway to consistent football at City appears blocked.
Manchester City had opportunities to allow the goalkeeper to leave earlier in the year.
Reports suggest the club rejected interest during the January transfer window because Guardiola wanted to maintain depth in his squad for the second half of the season.
That decision ultimately proved beneficial. Trafford’s contributions during the run-in helped City maintain stability across multiple competitions, and the club’s trust in him was rewarded with silverware.
