Manchester City float idea of contract proposal for first-team goalkeeper – Loan agreement involved | OneFootball

Hugo Viana and Manchester City are seemingly unwilling to let go of James Trafford easily this summer, according to new claims.

Incoming manager Enzo Maresca is likely to review his goalkeeping hierarchy, especially given Trafford’s rise and the fact he is currently away representing Thomas Tuchel’s England squad at the summer’s FIFA World Cup.

The 23-year-old academy graduate’s future has become a primary talking point following a 2025/26 campaign where he was key during Manchester City’s domestic cup runs, culminating in clean-sheet masterclasses in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals at Wembley.

However, with world-class star Gianluigi Donnarumma firmly holding the undisputed No.1 position, James Trafford is understandably eager to secure consistent, top-tier starting minutes to preserve his international standing and pursuit of the very top of the game.

While the board navigates high-profile transfers – such as handling a £100 million Manchester derby war over Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson – securing Trafford’s long-term commitment remains a vital pillar of the club’s post-Pep Guardiola era.

Man City’s change of plan for James Trafford?

Now, according to one insider, Manchester City have floated the idea of a new lucrative contract proposal to goalkeeper James Trafford, featuring an agreement to find the England international a long-term loan.

Within the Premier League, it is claimed that Chelsea are ‘big admirers’, although it remains to be seen whether officials from Stamford Bridge would entertain the idea of a temporary move for the player.

Why Man City may be reluctant to sanction an exit

By potentially tying the highly-rated English shot-stopper down to a fresh and improved deal, sporting director Hugo Viana would ensure that the player’s valuation remains insulated from rivals desperate for homegrown and top-level talent.

If a premium top-flight loan partner can be secured, James Trafford can continue to sharpen his elite development at the highest level, ensuring he is perfectly positioned to eventually inherit the permanent starting role at the Etihad Stadium in future.

Whether Chelsea’s recruitment team at Stamford Bridge would agree to act as a development ground for a direct rival’s asset remains a point of discussion as the summer transfer window approaches.

As Trafford prepares for international action over the next few weeks, the background contract storyline may continue to progress, with Manchester City determined to have a clear resolution before the squad reports back for pre-season training in July.