Premier League clubs face financial hurdle to sign Manchester City star – Club officials prefer loan exit | OneFootball

Manchester City could find themselves having to commit to a portion of James Trafford’s wages in the summer transfer market in order to sign off on any loan.

The England international’s future is expected to become a key talking point once the current campaign draws to a close, with Trafford believed to be assessing his options after a season of fluctuating involvement at Manchester City.

While the goalkeeper has remained an important squad member within Pep Guardiola’s roster, regular first-team football has been difficult to secure following late changes to Manchester City’s goalkeeping hierarchy through the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma in late August.

Trafford returned to the Etihad Stadium from Burnley last summer for a reported £27 million and was immediately handed responsibility at the start of the new season. However, his role shifted significantly, forcing the 23-year-old to adapt to a more rotational option.

Despite limited league involvement, Trafford has maintained his sharpness through domestic cup appearances, becoming Manchester City’s trusted option in knockout competitions and heavily contributing to a run that has led to the Carabao Cup final in March against Arsenal.

But looking back on the events that had seen James Trafford return to the Etihad Stadium last summer, according to a new report from The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, it is reported City had, in effect, waited for Newcastle to negotiate the price down before taking advantage of a clause inserted when selling to Burnley in 2023 – matching a bid to have first option on the player.

The report does highlight that Trafford could have still have rejected Manchester City, who ultimately sweetened the deal further by proposing to double the wages Newcastle were offering to the England international.

That enabled Trafford to earn ‘well in excess of’ £100,000 a week at the Etihad Stadium, in a commitment that is now likely to cause the shot-stopper a major problem if he does want to leave at the end of the ongoing season, according to the report.

With few Premier League clubs likely to be willing to pay James Trafford what he currently earns at City, those at the Etihad Stadium are also thought to prefer a loan deal next season if they do allow Trafford an exit in search of more regular game time – with Newcastle interested.

From Manchester City’s perspective, a temporary move is viewed as the most realistic solution should James Trafford push for increased minutes elsewhere, allowing the club to protect the player’s long-term future.

Manager Guardiola has continued to speak positively about Trafford’s attitude and preparation, particularly following his contributions in the Carabao Cup and a string of strong saves in the semi-final second-leg as core examples of his quality.

With competition for places intensified by the presence of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Trafford faces a pivotal summer decision, and whether that involves a loan move or another season competing at the Etihad, financial considerations could play a decisive role in a decision.