A loan move could beckon for a Manchester City goalkeeper that needs to play | OneFootball

Since signing for Manchester City last summer from Burnley, circumstances have conspired against James Trafford making City’s number-one goalkeeper position his own. Ederson left the club for Fenerbahce but the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG has put a rather large obstacle in James Trafford’s way. Trafford has made five appearances for City so far this season. Given the young keeper has a goal of making England’s World Cup squad, Trafford needs to be playing regularly to have a shot at making Thomas Tuchel’s squad for next year’s World Cup.

Two new reports have emerged stating that Newcastle United and Aston Villa have an interest in signing James Trafford in January. Perhaps Manchester City could sanction a loan move for Trafford so he can play first-team football over the second half of this season.

Suitors have emerged to sign James Trafford from Manchester City in January.

Fraser Fletcher has reported for TeamTalk that Newcastle United have re-engaged in talks with James Trafford’s advisors over a potential move to Newcastle in January. Furthermore, Fletcher reports that James Trafford is pushing for a move from Manchester City in January. It is also reported by Fraser Fletcher that James Trafford regards this season as a ‘wasted year’ which has stalled his career. Whether or not City will allow Trafford to leave in January remains to be seen. As per the TeamTalk report Newcastle United are willing to sign Trafford on loan with a mandatory buy clause included in any deal.

Wayne Veysey has reported for Football Insider that Aston Villa are also keeping tabs on James Trafford’s situation. Furthermore, Veysey reports that Villa are keen to replace Emiliano Martinez who has struggled at times this season. They have identified James Trafford as a potential replacement for Martinez. Lastly,  Veysey reports that it is increasingly likely that Trafford will leave Manchester City in January, likely on an initial loan deal.

James Trafford deserves the opportunity to play but that likely won’t come at City.

It is hard to see how James Trafford can force his way into the Manchester City first-team. Gianluigi Donnarumma has firmly cemented himself as City’s number-one goalkeeper. As soon as Donnarumma signed for City from PSG that was Donnarumma’s role. The Italian international has slotted into Pep Guardiola’s side seamlessly as Ederson’s replacement. Unfortunately for James Trafford, his path to becoming City’s number-one goalkeeper has been blocked by a rather formidable obstacle.

James Trafford does need to be playing regularly to have any chance of making England’s squad for next summer’s World Cup. Trafford has the talent to break into the England squad. That isn’t in question. His lack of regular football is the biggest impediment to his chances of breaking into Thomas Tuchel’s squad. A loan move to Newcastle United or Aston Villa would aid Trafford’s cause. If Trafford could force his way into their first team he could save his frustrating 25/26 season.

I’d be surprised if Manchester City sold James Trafford in January. However, I could see them sanction a loan move for a player who is desperate to play regularly. Whether City loan Trafford to Villa, Newcastle, or somewhere else remains to be seen. But it does seem that a loan move in January beckons for James Trafford.