Manchester City identify Argentinian goalkeeper as James Trafford replacement | OneFootball

Manchester City have identified Argentinian veteran goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli as their preferred option to replace James Trafford as back-up shot-stopper.

Trafford – who returned to the club from Burnley in a deal worth around £28 million last summer – is expected to leave City this summer in a pursuit of improved game time and opportunities at the top of the game.

Having re-joined the Etihad club under the belief he would succeed Ederson as Manchester City’s No.1 between the posts, Hugo Viana and officials went on to recruit Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG on deadline day – restricting Trafford largely to cup outings.

With interest from the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa across the course of the summer, it now appears as though James Trafford will make a switch to Leeds United for a fee in the region of £40 million before add-ons.

Despite already signing one goalkeeper in Pierce Charles this summer from Sheffield Wednesday, the Northern Ireland international was swiftly sent out on loan to Championship club Queens Park Rangers – meaning City have required a direct replacement for Trafford.

Manchester City identify James Trafford replacement

Now, according to the exclusive information of Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City want to sign Geronimo Rulli as their new back-up goalkeeper behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in order to replace their Leeds United-bound England international.

It is reported that the Argentinian veteran goalkeeper is keen on a move to the Etihad Stadium, and his current employers at Olympique Marseille are aware of the interest from the Premier League giants.

Additional goalkeeping changes take place at City

Aside from the situation surrounding Manchester City’s first-team goalkeeping ranks, there has also been many alterations in the younger set-up, particularly around the club’s pre-season tour of Asia this summer.

The initial expectation was that Oliver Whatmuff would travel with Enzo Maresca’s side, despite joining Stockport County on loan for the 2026/27 season. However, following an injury at the League One club, the teenager returned from pre-season with City earlier to continue his latest temporary agreement under Jimmy McNulty.

As such, Manchester City drafted in a fourth goalkeeper to their Asia tour ranks, with Max Chabot named as a trialist for the summer jaunt as the club finalises a transfer for the player from French side Angers.