Guardiola Confirms Trafford Stays at Man City This Season

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has firmly stated that goalkeeper James Trafford will remain with the club through the current season, despite growing speculation about a potential January transfer. The 23-year-old England international, who rejoined his boyhood club from Burnley in July 2025 on a five-year contract worth around 27 million pounds, faces limited playing time behind new first-choice keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Trafford began the season promisingly, starting Manchester City's opening three Premier League matches. However, Donnarumma's arrival from Paris Saint-Germain on the final day of the summer transfer window shifted the hierarchy. The Italian has since claimed 13 straight Premier League starts and five in the Champions League, leaving Trafford with just three appearances overall: two in the EFL Cup and one in Europe. This reduced role has raised concerns for Trafford's international prospects, as England coach Thomas Tuchel has emphasized the need for regular minutes ahead of next summer's World Cup.

Reports indicate Trafford is open to a move in January to secure consistent football, with interest from Premier League rivals including Newcastle United,...