Serie A giants enter race to sign Manchester City’s James Trafford | OneFootball

James Trafford continues to attract transfer interest from European football’s biggest clubs, and now monitoring of his situation has started in the Italian game.

The 23-year-old goalkeeper has found himself at a career crossroads this season despite his growing reputation developed through opportunities in domestic cup matches for Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Although he returned to the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2025 following a hugely successful and impressive stint at Burnley, Trafford found his path to a starting berth blocked by the signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma, who succeeded Ederson as No.1 choice.

Despite limited Premier League minutes, Trafford’s stock has seemingly never been higher following a pivotal role in Manchester City’s 2026 Carabao Cup triumph, and his heroics in the final against Arsenal combined with a standout performance in the FA Cup victory over Liverpool.

Juventus and the Premier League battle for James Trafford

Now, according to MailSport’s Jack Gaughan, Italian giants Juventus are among the clubs keeping tabs on James Trafford’s situation at Manchester City ahead of the summer transfer window.

Elsewhere, it is pointed out that both Tottenham and Aston Villa are two Premier League sides with ‘keen interest’ in the England international, who is likely to be open to a move away from the Etihad Stadium in search of more regular minutes.

Why Trafford must move

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches this June, James Trafford’s priority is securing a starting role to challenge Jordan Pickford for the England No.1 shirt into the future, with Everton’s man likely to be first-choice in North America.

Having earned his first senior cap under Thomas Tuchel in March, the goalkeeper is aware that another season as a deputy could jeopardise his chances of starting on the global stage and becoming the long-term successor to Pickford.

Manchester City, under the leadership of Sporting Director Hugo Viana, are in a strong negotiating position given James Trafford is contracted until June 2030.

However, with the club well-stocked in the goalkeeping department and a domestic Treble still to play for, a substantial offer could see James Trafford move on to pastures new this July, despite City’s priority being to either sanction a loan move or retain his services as back-up.