James Trafford to Besiktas on loan from Manchester City clarified by Fabrizio Romano | OneFootball

Transfer market insider Fabrizio Romano has offered clarity around reports from Turkey earlier this week suggesting that James Trafford could be on the move.

The young goalkeeper only arrived back at Manchester City this summer from Burnley after being recruited as part of the club’s wider long-term planning for their goalkeeping department.

Having impressed at Turf Moor in their Premier League promotion-winning campaign last season, Trafford was identified as one of England’s most promising stoppers, earning the No.1 shirt at the Etihad Stadium for the upcoming campaign.

However, City’s transfer activity has already left questions over Trafford’s immediate future. With Ederson’s situation unresolved and continued links to high-profile names such as Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, speculation quickly gathered pace in Turkish media that Trafford could be lined up for a loan to ensure playing time.

That naturally prompted concern among supporters given James Trafford’s billing as a future first-choice goalkeeper for both club and country, particularly after the 22-year-old secured starts for City in both of their opening Premier League encounters.

As the summer market approaches its conclusion, there is also heightened interest in how City balance their squad across competitions. The addition of young, homegrown players like Trafford plays a role not just in depth, but also in meeting registration requirements.

And according to Fabrizio Romano, reports from Turkey claiming of a possible James Trafford loan move to Besiktas are completely wide of mark, with no talks, discussions, or chance for the deal.

The England international goalkeeper is also said to be ‘fully part’ of Manchester City’s plans even if the club were to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma in the final days of the market.

Looking ahead, the next few weeks could still define Trafford’s role in Pep Guardiola’s squad this season. Should Ederson depart, Trafford may be handed greater responsibility than initially expected, with Stefan Ortega’s future also uncertain.

If Ederson stays however, then the expectation is that Trafford will likely gain minutes through domestic cup competitions and continue to develop within Pep Guardiola’s system.

Much may also depend on City’s activity right up until deadline day. If Donnarumma or another top-level goalkeeper does arrive, Pep Guardiola will need to carefully balance the pathway of Trafford, who will not want his development stunted by a lack of regular football.