Newcastle United and West Ham United have received a massive boost in their pursuit of Manchester City shot-stopper James Trafford.
James Trafford rejoined Manchester City last summer in hopes of becoming their new number one. However, the move hasn’t gone according to plan for the English goalkeeper. According to Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider, Trafford is now set to push for an exit next summer, and it is a massive boost for Newcastle and West Ham, who have their eyes set on him.
After getting promoted to City’s first team in the summer of 2023, Trafford left the club in search of a prominent role. He ended up joining Burnley and did wonders for them over the next two seasons. His impressive performances resulted in a lot of interest, but City managed to re-sign him in a deal worth in excess of £27 million last summer.
Trafford’s situation at Manchester City
With Ederson leaving the club, Pep Guardiola’s team were desperate to have a new shot-stopper in their ranks. They brought back Trafford, as they were confident about him being their main man in goal going forward. However, late in the summer transfer window, they got the opportunity to sign Champions League-winning goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City didn’t even think twice about it. They went ahead and secured his services. The Italian international has been the undisputed number one under Guardiola in the ongoing campaign. His arrival was a massive blow for Trafford, who has been restricted to just 10 appearances across competitions.
While speaking about Trafford’s situation, O’Rourke said, “James Trafford probably will have a big decision to make on his future come this summer.
“Obviously he joined Man City in the last summer window thinking that he was going to be the number one for Pep Guardiola’s side, but they then went on and signed Gianluigi Donnarumma, and he is undoubtedly the number one goalkeeper at the Etihad Stadium.
“If Trafford wants to be playing regular first team football, it doesn’t look like he’s going to get that at Manchester City, so he might have to move on.
“If he’s happy to play back up to Donnarumma, I think Manchester City are happy to keep him.
“Obviously, Ortega has left the club as well, so they don’t have a lot of goalkeeping cover. I don’t think they will be pushing Trafford out of the door right now.”
Trafford to join a rival Premier League club?
While his contract runs until the summer of 2030, Trafford has no intentions of warming the bench going forward. As a result, he is all set to push for an exit, and Newcastle and West Ham have emerged as potential destinations.
City turned down approaches for him in the winter window, as they didn’t want him leave mid-season. However, they might not be able to stand in his way next summer.
With Nick Pope in the final phase of his career and his contract running out, the Magpies certainly need a new goalkeeper. Even the Hammers are keen on his signature as they seek more competition for Mads Hermansen, who hasn’t lived up to the expectations since joining them from Leicester City.