Pep Guardiola reveals firm stance on James Trafford’s Manchester City future amid exit talk | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has insisted that James Trafford will not be leaving the club during the upcoming January transfer window.

The Englishman’s future has been subject to sustained speculation, particularly following reports suggesting Trafford and his representatives were open to exploring options away from the Etihad Stadium in 2026.

Trafford’s role shifted dramatically over the summer after Gianluigi Donnarumma’s late arrival on deadline day, with the Italian immediately installed as City’s first-choice goalkeeper despite Trafford starting the opening three Premier League matches of the campaign.

That development came just weeks after Trafford completed a permanent return to City from Burnley in early August, having initially believed he would be re-joining the club as Pep Guardiola’s No.1 as Ederson closed in on a switch to Fenerbahce. Since then, Trafford has been limited to a back-up role, prompting interest from several clubs.

City, however, have consistently played down the idea of a short-term exit. Previous reports have indicated Guardiola’s preference to retain Trafford and allow Stefan Ortega Moreno – whose contract expires in 2026 – to move on. And that stance has now been reinforced publicly by the manager himself.

Speaking to the media ahead of Manchester City’s Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Brentford on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola was quizzed for his thoughts on James Trafford.

“He’s top! He’s an incredible keeper! Unfortunately, Gigio [Donnarumma] is the first keeper, but he’s incredible,” said Guardiola.

“I know the position of keeper is so special. During the year in one game I can change, but the keeper is special. But of course, he’s with us, he’ll be with us this season, and after we’ll see what happens.”

When further pressed on whether Trafford will remain with the club during the upcoming January transfer window, Guardiola insisted, “Absolutely. I don’t have any news about that, regarding him, agents.

“Always I say – before [it was] Txiki [Begiristain], now Hugo Viana – you have his telephone number, you can call him and ask him. But, from my point of view, I don’t know anything. He stays here.”

Pep Guardiola’s comments appear to shut down any immediate speculation of a January move and underline Manchester City’s desire for stability and quality behind Gianluigi Donnarumma during the second half of the season.

With City still competing across multiple competitions, James Trafford is expected to remain an important option should rotation or injuries arise, or perhaps even a suspension to Donnarumma with the Italian’s yellow card tally in England rising.

Looking further ahead, Trafford’s long-term future remains open-ended. Much will depend on his appetite to remain patient, Ortega’s expected free-transfer exit in 2026, and how Guardiola ultimately plans succession behind Donnarumma.