'I tried to stop this happening' admits forgotten Man City star with ideal summer transfer revealed

Suraj Radia

• 15 Feb 2026 21:01 GMT
• 4 min read

News

One of Pep Guardiola’s recent signings could not hide his disappointment over his situation at Manchester City despite starring in his side’s FA Cup win over Salford City this weekend.

A rotated City side emerged 2-0 winners over the League Two outfit, with James Trafford keeping a clean sheet after making just his 11th appearance of the season in all competitions.

Current ETV

James Trafford

GK

Man City

James Trafford

GK

Man City

€39.7M

ETV Range

€35.7M - €43.7M

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Trafford rejoined City for €31 million from Burnley in the summer after Guardiola’s side activated their buy-back clause to beat Newcastle to his signing and the 23-year-old began the season as the club’s number one goalkeeper.

However, an unconvincing start in the Premier League saw City splash the cash on Gianluigi Donnarumma, with the Italian replacing Trafford after just three matches and the England international admitted things hadn’t gone to plan for him after his move.

“It was nice, it wasn't what I expected coming into the season,' the goalkeeper told BBC Sport when asked what it was like to play again.

'I tried to guard against the situation happening but it's the reality and I know every time I play, I have to give it my best shot and try and win and try and improve. It's the current situation I'm in.”

What does the future hold for James Trafford?

Trafford is believed to be ready to leave City in the summer after seeing an exit blocked during the January transfer window, with fellow reserve keeper Stefan Ortega departing instead, as Guardiola looked to keep his backup whom he called ‘so reliable’ after the Salford win.

Having been hoping to get regular first team football and potentially force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup, Trafford opted against signing for Newcastle in order to re-join his boyhood club in City.

But the ex-Burnley star has only been used in cup competitions since Donnarumma’s arrival and, despite having four years still to run on his contract, Trafford is likely to push for an exit this summer.

Newcastle could still return for Trafford depending on the price, while the likes of Aston Villa and Leeds have recently been linked with a move.

According to SciSports, who use data-driven analytics to analyse a player’s transfer status, Villa could prove the best fit for Trafford, particularly if Unai Emery’s side sell Emi Martinez as previously anticipated.

Martinez was expected to leave Villa last summer but a move never materialised, however the 33-year-old may have another chance this year, which would pave the way for Trafford to have a clear shot at being a number one keeper for a top six club.

Fulham, Napoli and Everton are also suggested as potential destinations for Trafford, with it appearing that a long career at City is not on the cards for the youngster after a disappointing campaign.

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