Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 9 April 2026 15:00, UK

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Aston Villa are expected to be among the clubs vying for exit-bound Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford this summer.

The 23-year-old is expected to leave the Etihad Stadium after making just 14 appearances across all competitions following his move from Burnley in the summer.

The England international had looked set to join Newcastle United before his former club utilised their matching rights clause to hijack the deal.

Trafford expected to start under Pep Guardiola, but Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival just weeks later saw him relegated to the bench.

Villa transfer chiefs are exploring options ahead of this summer, and could be set to delve into the market for a new goalkeeper.

Aston Villa to eye James Trafford amid Newcastle issue

Football Insider exclusively revealed in January that Villa planned to let Martinez leave, but an appropriate offer never materialised.

The Argentine goalkeeper had looked set to depart last summer, before Manchester United ultimately failed in their efforts to sign him.

The 33-year-old had even waved goodbye to Villa Park, but returned and has featured for the most part this season.

Martinez could be set to get his move away this summer, however, with the goalkeeper reportedly keen for fresh surroundings.

Trafford looks to be the obvious replacement for Villa, although they will certainly face competition from Newcastle.

The Magpies went close to signing the 23-year-old already, and will be in need of a goalkeeper this summer after Aaron Ramsdale returns to Southampton.

But Villa will have an instant advantage, with Newcastle facing serious financial issues. If Champions League is not secured at St James’ Park, a sale will likely be needed before any incomings can be funded.

Villa can repeat Emi Martinez path

Despite frustrations over the last year, Martinez will rightly be remembered as a Villa hero, and he could even go out by winning the Europa League.

The 33-year-old joined the Villans from Arsenal in 2020, having served as a back-up for Bernd Leno with the Gunners.

Martinez caught the eye with a terrific run in the FA Cup after the German had been injured, and the story shares some similarities to how Trafford impressed as Man City won the Carabao Cup.

The Englishman could now be set to follow the Argentine’s path to Villa, who will be gaining a top goalkeeper if they can pull the deal off.