Could Manchester City bring another keeper ‘home’ if James Trafford departs? | OneFootball

At this stage of proceedings, it would be a major surprise if James Trafford remained at Manchester City after this summer’s transfer window. Simon Bajkowski has reported for the Manchester Evening News that it is highly likely that Trafford will leave City to find a club where he can be the number-one goalkeeper. If that likely scenario comes to fruition, Manchester City will be in the market for a backup keeper. There are two paths for City to take to find a backup for Gianluigi Donnarumma. They could sign an experienced goalkeeper in a similar mold to Stefan Ortega. Alternatively, City could look to sign a young goalkeeper who can be Manchester City’s cup goalkeeper, learning and developing their craft as Gianluigi Donnarumma’s understudy.

City have now been linked with Sheffield Wednesday’s impressive 20-year-old goalkeeper, Pierce Charles. Charles ticks the box as a young goalkeeper who could play a role as Gianluigi Donnarumma’s backup. Also, Charles has previously been involved in the City setup as he was briefly in Manchester City’s academy system before moving to Sheffield Wednesday.

Manchester City have reportedly joined the race to sign Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday.

Graeme Bailey has reported for TeamTalk that Manchester City are exploring a move to sign young goalkeeper Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday this summer. Bailey also reports that a host of clubs are also interested in signing Pierce Charles this summer. Newcastle United, Tottenham, Leeds, Coventry City and Chelsea are named as potential competition for City if they pursue a move for the Northern Ireland international.

Graeme Bailey also reports that City have conducted background checks on Pierce Charles. Manchester City are believed to be impressed by Charles’ rapid development at Sheffield Wednesday.

Pierce Charles is an impressive young goalkeeper who could play a role in Pep Guardiola’s squad.

As Sheffield Wednesday have struggled this season, Pierce Charles has impressed in goal. First of all, Charles is exceptionally gifted with his feet. That has stood out this season in Charles’ performances. The fact that Pierce Charles has shown this trait in a struggling Sheffield Wednesday side is a credit to him. Having a goalkeeper who is proficient with his feet is a prerequisite for a Pep Guardiola side. Pierce Charles ticks this box.

Another aspect that stand out with Pierce Charles is his shot-stopping. Playing in goal in a struggling Sheffield Wednesday side has kept Charles busy. Yes, Charles has conceded a heap of goals this season. That speaks more to the lack of quality in a handicapped Sheffield Wednesday side than Charles as a keeper. The highlight below best illustrates Charles’ quality as a shot-stopper. There is no reason why he cannot further improve as a keeper in the right environment.

Final thoughts.

Odds are that Manchester City will be in the market for an understudy to Gianluigi Donnarumma this summer. Sheffield Wednesday’s impressive young goalkeeper, Pierce Charles, could be a viable option. He fits the bill as a young goalkeeper with all of the necessary attributes to be a solid backup. Also, he wouldn’t be an expensive signing given that Sheffield Wednesday will play in League One next season. Sheffield Wednesday’s financial situation also means City could sign Charles for a relatively modest transfer fee.

More importantly, Pierce Charles is the ideal age to come in and be a backup to Gianluigi Donnarumma. He is also a goalkeeper that Manchester City could develop, play in cup matches, and City would end up with a valuable asset on their hands.