Manchester City Goalkeeper James Trafford has left Man City to join this Premier League Rival after he was made Second Choice Goalkeeper despite coming in before Gianluigi Donnarumma
Pep Guardiola has hinted that Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford could leave the club at the end of the season.
The 22-year-old returned to City from Burnley last summer and featured in the opening three matches. However, his situation changed dramatically when the club brought in Italian international Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris St-Germain on transfer deadline day.
Since then, Trafford has been relegated to a backup role, though he did appear in Saturday’s dominant 10-1 FA Cup victory over Exeter City and is scheduled to start Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle.
Guardiola praised how Trafford handled the arrival of Donnarumma, saying he responded professionally without any complaints and remains an excellent goalkeeper. The manager highlighted the unique challenges faced by keepers, explaining that unlike outfield players who can share playing time, goalkeeping is typically an either-or situation.
When asked whether Trafford might be allowed to leave in January, Guardiola initially said no, adding that he’d love to keep him for years to come. However, he acknowledged the special circumstances surrounding the goalkeeper position and left the door open by saying they’ll see what unfolds.
Trafford had turned down a summer move to Newcastle, though such a transfer might have boosted his chances of displacing Jordan Pickford as England’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe spoke warmly about Trafford, describing himself as a big admirer and praising City’s strength in the goalkeeping department. Rather than addressing transfer speculation, Howe simply wished Trafford well and said his team would be ready to face him if he plays in the upcoming match.
