James Trafford has hinted at a potential departure from Manchester City this summer after being caught off guard by the club's deadline day signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma for £26m. The 23-year-old goalkeeper started the opening three Premier League matches of the 2025-26 season but has been restricted to cup competitions since Donnarumma's arrival from PSG in August 2025. In a recent interview, Trafford described the situation as one he "tried to guard against" when rejoining City from Burnley earlier that summer, suggesting it does not align with the assurances he received about first-team opportunities.
Trafford rejoined Manchester City in July 2025 after the club activated a buy-back clause in his Burnley contract, signing a five-year deal until June 2030. He made his Premier League debut for City in the season opener against Chelsea but was quickly displaced by Donnarumma, who has started all subsequent league games under Pep Guardiola. Trafford's limited minutes — just four cup appearances this season — have led to frustration, with the England U21 international stating: "I know he's talking – the situation I tried to guard against. I feel like I have to be playing at my age." His form in those outings has been solid, with two clean sheets and strong distribution metrics, but the lack of league action has prompted questions over his long-term role at the Etihad.
Trafford's Frustration and City’s Goalkeeping Hierarchy
The arrival of Donnarumma, a proven elite goalkeeper with a contract until 2029, has solidified City's No1 spot, with Trafford providing reliable backup. Trafford's comments reflect a common challenge for young keepers at top clubs: the need for regular football to develop, balanced against the opportunity to train with world-class talent. At 23, Trafford is at a stage where consistent minutes are crucial for his progression, particularly after a full season as Burnley's starter in 2024-25. His "blindsided" feeling suggests the Donnarumma signing came as a surprise, potentially shifting the assurances he received when agreeing to return to his boyhood club.
City's goalkeeping department is now stacked, with Donnarumma as the undisputed starter, Ortega as experienced cover and Trafford as a high-potential third choice. Guardiola has praised Trafford's attitude in training but has prioritised Donnarumma's experience for league and Champions League matches. The situation leaves Trafford with limited pathways to the first team unless injuries intervene, prompting speculation over a permanent move to secure the regular football he craves.
Market Reaction and Potential Destinations
Betting markets have responded to Trafford's comments, with odds shortening on him leaving Manchester City this summer. Retention at the Etihad remains the favourite, but prices have drifted as his frustration becomes public. The latest James Trafford next club odds reflect interest from several Premier League clubs seeking a young, proven goalkeeper, with West Ham and Leeds among the early frontrunners. A £30m–£40m fee would represent a profit for City on their buy-back investment, but they may prefer to loan him again to maintain control over his development.
Trafford's situation underscores the challenges young talents face at elite clubs with deep squads. His Premier League experience with Burnley — where he kept six clean sheets in 23 appearances — demonstrates his readiness for consistent top-flight football, but City's hierarchy limits opportunities. A permanent exit would allow him to establish himself as a No1 elsewhere, potentially accelerating his path to the senior England squad. For City, retaining him as depth aligns with their model of nurturing academy products, but his comments suggest a mutual parting could benefit all parties if no clear pathway emerges.
Summer Crossroads and Goalkeeper Market Context
The summer will be defining for Trafford's career. Stay and compete for minutes at City, potentially benefiting from Guardiola's coaching; or seek a permanent move to guarantee regular football and accelerate his development. City will aim to secure clarity on his future early, potentially through a new loan or public reaffirmation of his role. Any formal interest from clubs like West Ham would force a decision: loan to maintain control or sell for profit to fund other areas. Trafford's next move will be closely watched, with his blend of youth, shot-stopping and distribution making him a valuable commodity in a market short on top-class young goalkeepers.