Sources: James Trafford making Man City transfer decision
James Trafford may look to leave Man City this summer in search of more game time after failing to oust Gianluigi Donnarumma in Pep Guardiola’s side.
Trafford was part of a Burnley backline that broke all kinds of records in the Championship last season, with numerous Premier League clubs then interested in his services.
He moved back to his boyhood club Man City to become their number one keeper for the years to come, but Donnarumma arrived later in the window and has been mainly trusted by Guardiola so far.
Trafford has made 10 appearances this season across four different competitions, with his last Premier League outing coming on 31 August.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, he may depart the Etihad Stadium this summer to become a first-choice stopper elsewhere next season.
James Trafford to weigh up his options in the summer amid Man City uncertainty
City turned down approaches for Trafford ahead of January, as they had little interest in letting him leave the club midway through the campaign.
Several Premier League clubs, such as West Ham and Newcastle, have been linked with a move for the 23-year-old in the summer, and he could well leave if he wishes to play more regularly.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “James Trafford probably will have a big decision to make on his future come this summer.
“Obviously he joined Man City in the last summer window thinking that he was going to be the number one for Pep Guardiola’s side, but they then went on and signed Gianluigi Donnarumma, and he is undoubtedly the number one goalkeeper at the Etihad Stadium.
“If Trafford wants to be playing regular first team football, it doesn’t look like he’s going to get that at Manchester City, so he might have to move on.
“If he’s happy to play back up to Donnarumma, I think Manchester City are happy to keep him.
“Obviously, Ortega has left the club as well, so they don’t have a lot of goalkeeping cover. I don’t think they will be pushing Trafford out of the door right now.”
Xabi Alonso in line to replace Guardiola as Man City boss
It is set to be a summer of change at the Etihad, with iconic boss Guardiola also possibly on his way out, as well as Trafford.
The City manager is approaching the final year of his contract, with rumours rife that he could soon announce his intention to leave ahead of next season.
The club have several candidates on their radar to replace him, with sources telling Football Insider that Alonso is a leading contender to take over, despite struggling at Real Madrid.
Enzo Maresca and Luis Enrique are both also believed to be potential candidates to succeed Guardiola, but it remains to be seen whether he will definitely leave this summer.