Manchester City is rejecting goalkeeper James Trafford’s persistent demands to leave and is determined to keep him at the club, at least for next summer.
Trafford returned to City from his loan spell at Burnley and started the season with Pep Guardiola’s squad, but failed to live up to expectations. This led the English club to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma, with the Englishman becoming his backup.
Trafford has repeatedly expressed his frustration with this situation, especially since he returned from Burnley with a clear promise that he would be the number one at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite Trafford’s presence, City’s management is adamant about keeping him for the upcoming season and rejects the idea of selling him, regardless of any offers received in the summer transfer window.
City’s management would only be open to loaning Trafford to a Premier League club to ensure he gets regular playing time, before bringing him back, considering him “part of the club’s long-term project.”
Initially, three clubs have shown strong interest in signing Trafford next season: Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Newcastle.
The goalkeeper is currently facing a difficult situation, as he is barely playing, which will likely lead coach Thomas Tuchel to exclude him from England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
