Journalist claims Manchester City star needs to move to get playing time | OneFootball

Trafford Departure Talk Grows as Playing Time Question Emerges at Man City

James Trafford returned to Man City last summer believing his pathway to regular playing time was clear. Within weeks, that landscape shifted. The arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain altered the hierarchy and, inevitably, the conversation around Trafford’s future.

Now, as the season moves towards its conclusion, the prospect of a Trafford departure is once again being discussed, with questions centred on opportunity rather than ability.

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Playing Time Uncertainty After Donnarumma Arrival

Trafford’s return to the Etihad Stadium was shaped by promise. Having risen through the ranks at the City Football Academy since joining in 2015 at the age of 12, he left in 2023 for Burnley after productive loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers, where he played 11 and 74 games respectively.

At Burnley, he was instrumental in promotion to the Premier League under Scott Parker. The Clarets conceded just 16 goals all season, losing only twice, finishing joint-top on points with Leeds United but second on goal difference. That campaign drew attention from across Europe, yet Trafford opted to rejoin his boyhood club.

The expectation was clear, Trafford would challenge to become Pep Guardiola’s number one. Instead, Donnarumma arrived for £26 million on deadline day, immediately assuming that role. Since then, the Italian has been Guardiola’s preferred option, and Trafford’s playing time has been limited.

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He has made 11 appearances in all competitions this season, with only three coming in the Premier League. For a goalkeeper seeking development at international level, that is a significant consideration.

Man City Stance on Potential Departure

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Trafford faces a defining decision this summer. Speaking on Footballer Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, O’Rourke said: “James Trafford probably will have a big decision to make on his future come this summer.

“Obviously he joined Man City in the last summer window thinking that he was going to be the number one for Pep Guardiola’s side, but they then went on and signed Gianluigi Donnarumma and he is undoubtedly the number one goalkeeper at the Etihad Stadium.

“If Trafford wants to be playing regular first team football, it doesn’t look like he’s going to get that at Manchester City, so he might have to move. If he’s happy to play back up to Donnarumma, I think Manchester City are happy to keep him.

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“Obviously, (Stefan) Ortega has left the club as well so they don’t have a lot of goalkeeping cover. I don’t think they will be pushing Trafford out of the door right now.”

That assessment reflects City’s current position. They are not actively encouraging a departure, particularly after Ortega’s exit reduced experienced cover. Stability within the goalkeeping department matters, especially in a season shaped by domestic and European commitments.

Summer Decision Looms for Trafford

City rejected approaches in January, unwilling to sanction a mid season move. Interest persists, with West Ham and Newcastle United among those linked. For Trafford, the equation is straightforward, security at Man City versus guaranteed playing time elsewhere.

At 22, development hinges on minutes. City’s stance is pragmatic. They value him, but they also recognise ambition.

Whether Trafford seeks a departure will depend on how he weighs loyalty against opportunity. The coming months will determine whether his long association with Man City continues or gives way to a fresh chapter built around regular playing time.