Aston Villa emerge as transfer suitors for Manchester City star in January market | OneFootball

Manchester City could be bracing themselves for multi-club interest in highly-rated goalkeeper James Trafford during the upcoming January transfer window.

City’s goalkeeping department has undergone major restructuring over recent months following Ederson’s departure and the high-profile arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma on summer deadline day from Paris Saint-Germain.

Donnarumma’s installation as Pep Guardiola’s new first-choice has shifted the long-term picture for every other shot-stopper at the Etihad Stadium, with James Trafford – who re-joined permanently from Burnley – now at the centre of growing Premier League attention.

Trafford’s return was widely viewed as a long-term investment but established himself as the new first-choice in the club’s opening matches of the season as Ederson thrashed out terms with Fenerbahce. However, with Donnarumma now locked in as City’s definitive No.1, Trafford’s chances of regular game time have naturally become a talking point.

Trafford has now found himself in an unusual position of being highly rated, highly trusted, and yet potentially blocked from becoming a long-term starter at the club. As a result, several Premier League sides have begun monitoring the situation ahead of January.

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa have turned attentions to Manchester City’s James Trafford ahead of the January transfer window, viewing the Englishman as a strong alternative to Emiliano Martinez and a potential name to replace the Argentine as first-choice at the club.

From the side of James Trafford and his future at the Etihad Stadium, the report claims that it is seen as ‘increasingly likely’ that the former Burnley No.1 will leave City in 2026, potentially on an initial loan agreement.

If Aston Villa pursue their interest formally, City may face a delicate balancing act. Trafford remains a long-term asset whose value could continue rising, but the presence of Donnarumma limits the young England international’s immediate prospects.

A loan move could become a logical solution that allows Trafford to maintain Premier League momentum while preserving the option of a future Etihad Stadium return. Aston Villa, meanwhile, may be exploring succession planning of their own should Emiliano Martinez’s situation evolve, making Trafford an attractive long-term project.

In the months ahead, Manchester City’s internal planning will also play a key role. Decisions over Stefan Ortega’s future will further directly affect the goalkeeping landscape, while the club must also consider whether retaining the 23-year-old as Donnarumma’s understudy is best for his development.

With Trafford continuing to build his England profile and Villa showing early intent, this is shaping up to be one of the more significant goalkeeping storylines heading into the winter window, and potentially one that City must prepare for far beyond January.