Manchester City stance on James Trafford exit talk revealed | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are determined to keep hold of James Trafford amid talk of the England international wanting to leave the club in 2026.

The goalkeeper situation at the Etihad Stadium has been a running theme throughout the year, with significant change already taking place and more anticipated in the weeks and months ahead.

Ederson’s move to Fenerbahçe forced City into a search for a new first-choice, landing Gianluigi Donnarumma on deadline day with consequences for James Trafford, who had re-joined from Burnley earlier in August under the impression he would start as the No.1.

Since Donnarumma’s arrival, Trafford has featured only sporadically, starting the opening three Premier League fixtures before making way for the Italian international in Premier League fixtures in particular.

The shift has contributed to uncertainty over his future, with recent reports indicating that the 23-year-old is now open to leaving the Etihad Stadium in 2026 in search of guaranteed game time as he stakes a claim for Thomas Tuchel’s England squad at the World Cup.

The wider picture has been further complicated by Stefan Ortega’s openness to a departure. The German, whose contract expires in 2026, is already expected to leave on a free. As a result, Guardiola’s goalkeeping department continues to be a fluid and closely watched area.

But according to the information of talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Manchester City are reluctant to allow James Trafford to leave the club, despite talk of the England international eyeing an exit from the Etihad.

It is reported that while the 23-year-old has interest from Premier League side Wolves as well as ‘several’ European sides, City boss Pep Guardiola would prefer to keep Trafford and offload Stefan Ortega Moreno instead.

City’s stance reflects an internal belief that Trafford still represents the future of the club’s goalkeeping structure. Despite Donnarumma’s firm grip on No.1, Trafford is viewed as a long-term project with potential to eventually take over.

Speculation is likely to intensify as January draws near, particularly with multiple clubs monitoring the situation. However, City’s position appears firm in that Trafford is not for sale, and Ortega remains the more probable departure when the time comes.

Looking ahead, much will depend on Trafford’s own ambitions and how Guardiola manages the game-time balance between his two deputies. Should Donnarumma continue to dominate minutes, pressure on City to satisfy Trafford’s development could grow.

Equally, if Ortega pushes for a January move or runs down his contract, Guardiola may be forced into accelerating succession planning behind the Italian.