Manchester City eyeing former academy goalkeeper as James Trafford replacement | OneFootball

Manchester City are exploring a move for former academy goalkeeper Pierce Charles to replace James Trafford this summer, as per a new report.

Trafford is expected to leave City just 12 months on from returning to the Etihad Stadium to challenge for the number one position under Pep Guardiola.

However, despite starting the first three Premier League games of the recent season, the 23-year-old dropped to the bench after the last minute arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma to replace City’s long-serving starter Ederson.

Despite making four Premier League appearances for his boyhood club last term, Trafford’s stock has never been higher after he led Manchester City to a Carabao Cup and FA Cup double this season

Report: City eyeing Charles move to replace Trafford

As reported by talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, City are weighing up a swoop for former academy shotstopper Pierce Charles as they scout a reliable backup option in anticipation of an upcoming Trafford departure.

Charles, 20, suffered relegation to EFL League One with Sheffield Wednesday this term and is expected to part ways with the Owls to progress his career.

It remains to be seen whether City sporting director Hugo Viana progresses talks with Sheffield Wednesday for Charles, who is entering the final year of his contract at Hillsborough.

A return to the Etihad Stadium would certainly appeal to Charles, who left the Blues in 2020 at the age of 16 and has since established himself as one of the finest young goalkeepers in England.

Will Trafford leave Man City this summer?

It is inconceivable that Trafford would spend another season playing second-fiddle to Donnarumma at Manchester City, especially after an impressive record in goal en route to Carabao Cup and FA Cup glory this season.

Manchester City blocked a January exit for Trafford owing to Guardiola’s desire of holding on to the Carlisle-born star for the second half of the season – a decision that paid dividends.

City sold Stefan Ortega Moreno to Nottingham Forest in January and with Marcus Bettinelli acting as third-choice goalkeeper, Viana would want to arm incoming manager Enzo Maresca with a competent candidate to push and learn from Donnarumma in the seasons to come.