There seems to be only one conclusion to the future of a Manchester City keeper | OneFootball

The 2025-26 season didn’t exactly go to plan for James Trafford. Trafford was signed by Manchester City last summer from Burnley. Trafford had high hopes of one day becoming Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper. However, City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG on deadline day last summer, and Trafford was City’s backup and cup competition keeper last season. While James Trafford started Manchester City’s FA Cup and Carabao Cup wins over Chelsea and Arsenal, there is no doubt that he would’ve hoped to do a lot more last season. Entering the summer transfer window, it would be a major surprise if Trafford was still at Manchester City to begin next season.

James Trafford had his moments for Manchester City last season but they were few and far between.

While James Trafford started in both of Manchester City’s cup wins last season, the 2025-26 season didn’t go to plan for him. He only made 17 appearances in all competitions last season. Trafford was Manchester City’s backup goalkeeper as Gianluigi Donnarumma established himself as City’s first-choice goalkeeper. Having said all that, Trafford did have his moments last season.

His best performance came when Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-0 in last season’s Carabao Cup final. Trafford made a massive triple save early in City’s win at Wembley. His performance on that day showed why Trafford is viewed as England’s next number-one goalkeeper. Also, Trafford’s form in Manchester City’s FA Cup and Carabao Cup runs was superb. Trafford showed why he is so highly regarded with a series of composed and quality displays as City claimed a domestic cup double.

However, the 2025-26 season didn’t go as hoped for James Trafford. Entering the summer transfer window, it would be a major surprise if he remained at City for next season.

At this point it would be a major surprise if James Trafford didn’t leave City this summer.

Dean Jones has reported for FlashScore that Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Tottenham are all interested in signing James Trafford this summer. Furthermore, Jones reports that Manchester City would rather find a loan move for Trafford than sell the England international. However, James Trafford may not want such a move to occur.

James Trafford may want a fresh start this summer. Trafford may seek an opportunity to establish himself as a club’s first-choice keeper for a prolonged period. That opportunity likely won’t exist while Gianluigi Donnarumma remains at Manchester City. It would be understandable if Trafford seeks a permanent move away from City this summer. For him to become the goalkeeper he has always promised to be, he needs to be playing regularly in a good team.

It would seem highly likely that James Trafford will leave Manchester City this summer. A loan move, as Dean Jones suggests, would be ideal for City. However, that may not suit Trafford. Trafford had his moments during the 2025-26 season, but he deserves to start somewhere, so the only conclusion that stands out at the moment is James Trafford will find a permanent move at some point this summer.