Pep Guardiola is determined to see James Trafford remain at the club | OneFootball

It would not be a major surprise to see James Trafford pursue a move away from Manchester City during the January transfer window. Trafford has become Manchester City’s backup goalkeeper ever since Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived at the club. With a World Cup on the horizon, James Trafford will want to be a part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the tournament in the United States. To achieve that goal, Trafford needs to be playing regularly. But after hearing Pep Guardiola speak yesterday it now appears that the door is slammed shut on Trafford leaving Manchester City next month.

Pep Guardiola wants James Trafford to remain at Manchester City for this season.

Pep Guardiola was asked about the future of James Trafford during his pre-game press conference yesterday ahead of Manchester City’s Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Brentford. The Manchester City manager was emphatic when he said that Trafford would remain at City for this season and not leave the club during the January transfer window. Pep Guardiola told the media: “Absolutely. (James Trafford will remain at Manchester City)

“He’s an incredible keeper. Unfortunately for him, Gianluigi is the first-choice keeper but he is an incredible keeper.”

“I know the position of the keeper is so special and during the year in one game you can change.”

“The keeper position is special. He is with us and will be with us this season and after we will see what happens.”

James Trafford has an opportunity to impress tonight and he will get more throughout this season.

So far this season James Trafford has only made six appearances for Manchester City in all competitions. The young goalkeeper returned to City from Burnley last summer and looked poised to stake his claim to be Manchester City’s number-one goalkeeper. But Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival at City put a formidable roadblock in James Trafford’s way. Trafford has become City’s backup keeper as Donnarumma is clearly City’s first-choice keeper. Despite being a backup keeper, Trafford will get opportunities to play across the second half of this season. It is up to him to impress when the opportunity arises.

The first of those opportunities for James Trafford comes tonight against Brentford. Trafford will start in goal tonight and if he can put in a quality and assured performance it will do his confidence the world of good. It has been a tough season for Trafford sitting on the bench so often. But he has an opportunity to put in a good display tonight and will get more during Manchester City’s FA Cup campaign and possibly in the Champions League depending on how Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League league phase campaign progresses.

Pep Guardiola has stated his intention to keep James Trafford at the club for this season. That is a sound move as City will not want to destabilise their squad in January. Trafford will get opportunities to play this season, although they may not be as regular as he would like. But he has a role to play for City and it is easy to see why Pep Guardiola doesn’t want to lose James Trafford in January.