Manchester City to keep James Trafford and stop the goalkeeper from leaving the club in the January window, even as interest intensifies from Tottenham, Newcastle United and Aston Villa.
The 23-year-old, who returned to the Etihad from Burnley during the summer, is understood to be increasingly unsettled after losing his place following the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Trafford came back to City with high expectations after a promising spell away, but his path to the No.1 shirt was abruptly blocked.
The signing of Donnarumma placed him immediately behind one of Europe’s most established goalkeepers, leaving the young shot-stopper sidelined and raising doubts about his long-term prospects in Manchester.
Sources close to the player have described him as “unhappy”, with concerns growing over what the next phase of his career will look like if he remains on the bench.
The latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast revealed that Trafford is eager to secure consistent first-team football.
The keeper hopes regular minutes will strengthen his claim for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plans, and it is understood that he now wants to consider his options when the transfer market reopens in January.
But despite the player’s desire for clarity and game time, Pep Guardiola’s stance has not shifted. Manchester City to keep James Trafford as they see him as an important part of their squad depth and do not intend to compromise their season by letting him go.
Guardiola unwilling to lose key squad member mid-campaign
City sources say Guardiola views the January period as a crucial stretch of the season, with the club fighting on multiple fronts. Allowing Trafford to leave—either permanently or on loan—would reduce the manager’s goalkeeping options at a time he believes stability is essential.
As previously reported by Football Insider, Guardiola is “reluctant to let Trafford leave mid-way through the season as there is still hope for his long-term role.”
That long-term belief in Trafford remains a major reason why a move in January appears improbable. City have invested time in the young goalkeeper, and although his pathway to the starting XI is currently blocked, the coaching staff reportedly feel he could still play a significant role in future seasons.
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The growing interest from Premier League clubs only adds fuel to the speculation.
Newcastle and Aston Villa have been monitoring his situation for several weeks, and Tottenham’s name has now been added to the list.
All three clubs are understood to be evaluating options for the January window as they look to strengthen key positions, and Trafford’s age, potential and price profile make him a notable target.
Newcastle, in particular, have been linked with multiple goalkeepers as they look to reshape their options following an unsettled run of injuries.
Villa, pushing for continued progress under Unai Emery, are also assessing the future of their goalkeeping department. Tottenham, meanwhile, are planning long-term and see Trafford as a potential succession option in their squad planning.