Manchester City’s summer transfer window stance on James Trafford revealed | OneFootball

Hugo Viana and Manchester City appear set on their stance surrounding James Trafford looking towards the upcoming summer transfer window.

There remains a strong belief that Trafford is a central part of the club’s long-term structure, despite the intense spotlight that followed the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma shortly after the Englishman’s signing in August.

While speculation has persisted around James Trafford’s future, particularly given his desire for consistent first-team football and his position as back-up choice at the Etihad Stadium, City’s hierarchy continue to view him as far more than a short-term squad option.

The summer rebuild in the goalkeeping department brought about one of the most dramatic positional shifts at the club in recent years, with Ederson’s departure for Fenerbahce bringing an end to an era, while Donnarumma’s late arrival reshaped the hierarchy instantly.

Trafford initially started the campaign as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, starting in Premier League fixtures against Wolves, Tottenham, and Brighton before Gianluigi Donnarumma was installed between the posts following his Deadline Day signing.

And according to the information of Manchester City insider ‘Tolmie’s Hairdoo’ on X, those within the Etihad Stadium currently have no intention of selling James Trafford during the upcoming summer market – despite his intention to become first-choice.

It is claimed that the planning internally was always to sign both the England international and Gianluigi Donnarumma, and should the former demand a move away from City, the demand would be for a fee in excess of £40 million.

Trafford’s age, international status, and experience across both Premier League and European environments combine to make him a highly valuable commodity, and City are certainly under no pressure to cash in, and any potential negotiation would begin from a position of strength.

This stance also fits neatly with recent reports surrounding Stefan Ortega, who is expected to leave on a free in the summer, and has already been holding exploratory discussions with clubs about a possible move sooner.

Looking ahead, the next few months are likely to be shaped by James Trafford’s own ambitions, and should he feel his development is being stalled, external interest is almost inevitable, particularly from clubs seeking a long-term No.1 option.

However, Manchester City’s reported insistence on a £40 million-plus valuation makes it clear that any exit would not be straightforward. Alternatively, Trafford could choose to embrace the competition, trusting in Pep Guardiola’s long-standing philosophy that elite standards are forged through internal rivalry.