Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media

Harri Burton

Wed 8 April 2026 10:00, UK

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Aston Villa must throw absolutely everything at signing Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford during the summer transfer window.

The 23-year-old re-joined Pep Guardiola’s squad at the start of the 2025-26 campaign, with the hope of being the No.1 shot-stopper, only for Gianluigi Donnarumma to arrive a few days later.

It’s been a very frustrating time for the young goalkeeper. Nobody can blame Guardiola for starting Donnarumma, but many fans are frustrated by how Trafford’s return was framed from the outside.

Now, multiple Premier League clubs, as well as European giants, are keeping tabs on the player’s situation ahead of the summer, and he needs to be at the top of Villa’s transfer list.

Emi Martinez will not be at Aston Villa forever

At 33 years of age, Unai Emery will soon need to accept that Emi Martinez won’t be around forever, and with 35-year-old Marco Bizot as back-up, it is a position that needs addressing.

The Argentine can be one of the most impressive goalkeepers in the Premier League, but he is having more and more bad days at the office, not to mention his knack for winding up his own fans.

It is about time Emery introduced some young blood into the squad, and ahead of the 2026-27 campaign is the perfect time to do that, especially with European aspirations.

Football Insider understands that Newcastle United are leading the battle for Tottenham, but it is now believed that the Villans have joined the race ahead of the summer [talkSPORT].

James Trafford will be a sought-after transfer this summer

It is not yet understood how the Citizens feel about potentially letting Trafford go, either on loan or permanently, but it would be a surprise if the player weren’t keen for more minutes.

Guardiola has two extremely talented goalkeepers at his disposal, which can’t be seen as a negative, but supporters are accepting that sitting on the bench is only harming his development.

The Villans have a very real chance of qualifying for the Champions League once again, holding a five-point lead over fifth-place Liverpool, and that should be a major boost for transfers this summer.

Financial issues have often plagued the club, so a season-long loan might make more sense for Trafford, but either way, he needs an escape from the Etihad Stadium next season.