Manchester City Goalkeeper James Trafford Seeks January Exit

James Trafford wants to leave Manchester City. The young English goalkeeper is frustrated by a lack of playing time. Reports from Sky Sports and Mail Sport confirm his desire for a January transfer.

His situation changed dramatically soon after his big-money arrival. City signed Italian star Gianluigi Donnarumma, pushing Trafford down the pecking order.

Why a £27 Million Signing Wants Out

Trafford joined City from Burnley in summer 2025 for £27 million. He was seen as a future first-choice goalkeeper for the club. That plan changed almost immediately.

Pep Guardiola secured the signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG. The Italian international became the undisputed number one. Trafford has made just six appearances this season, mostly in cup competitions.

For a player of his age and ambition, sitting on the bench is not sustainable. According to reports, his camp has made this clear to the club’s hierarchy. They believe he needs regular football to continue his development.

Wolves and Aston Villa Emerge as Potential Suitors

Two Premier League clubs are monitoring the situation closely. Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa have both been linked with a move for the 23-year-old.

Wolves’ interest is particularly notable. Sources including talkSPORT indicate they see Trafford as a long-term solution in goal. Their current options, like Sam Johnstone, have been inconsistent this campaign.

Aston Villa view him as a talented project with high potential. Both clubs could offer the playing time he desperately needs. A move in January, however, depends entirely on Manchester City’s willingness to negotiate.

City’s Stance Complicates a January Deal

Manchester City are reluctant to sell James Trafford. The club’s management, including Pep Guardiola, does not want to lose him so soon after his investment.

Their preference would be to offload other squad players first. Veteran goalkeeper Stefan Ortega is reportedly more likely to be allowed to leave if the club needs to trim the squad. City value Trafford’s potential and see him as important long-term depth.

This creates a significant obstacle for Wolves or Villa. A permanent transfer in January now seems difficult. The most likely compromise could be a short-term loan move, giving all parties time to reassess in the summer.

The James Trafford transfer news highlights the brutal reality of top-level football. Talent alone is not enough without opportunity. His next club will gain a motivated goalkeeper with a point to prove.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why does James Trafford want to leave Manchester City?

He has hardly played since arriving. The signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma made him a backup. Trafford wants regular first-team football to advance his career.

Q2: Which clubs are interested in signing him?

Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa are the main clubs linked. Both are Premier League sides who could offer him a starting role. Wolves’ interest has been most widely reported.

Q3: Will Manchester City sell him in January?

City are currently reluctant to agree a permanent sale. They may consider a loan deal instead. The club sees him as a valuable asset for the future.

Q4: How much did City pay for him?

Manchester City signed James Trafford from Burnley for £27 million. The transfer was completed in the summer of 2025. It was a significant investment in a young English goalkeeper.

Q5: How many games has he played this season?

Trafford has made only six appearances in all competitions. Most of these have been in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. He has not started a Premier League game for City.