Chelsea handed perfect opportunity to complete much-needed January deal

Cameron Smith

Updated: 16 Sep 2025 04:33 CDT
3 min read

James Trafford, Man City, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford is reportedly open to leaving the club on loan during the January transfer window following the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma on Deadline Day.

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The young stopper returned to the club for $36.81 million in July, following a superb spell at Burnley, and he started their opening three games of the new Premier League season, with Ederson excluded ahead of his anticipated move to Turkey.

Despite the signing of Trafford, Man City subsequently opted to take advantage of Donnarumma’s situation at PSG and they finalised a deal for the Italy international on Transfer Deadline Day.

Donnarumma was handed his first Man City appearance against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon and he pulled off a string of impressive saves in an eye-catching debut performance for the eight-time Premier League winners.

Trafford currently appears unlikely to usurp the Italian as Pep Guardiola’s favoured goalkeeper and TBR Football claim that he is now open to leaving Man City on loan during the January transfer window in order to improve his chances of being included in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

© IMAGO - James Trafford left Burnley in July

James Trafford to leave Man City?

Trafford was heavily linked with a move to Newcastle United before opting to rejoin Man City, while Chelsea and Man Utd were also touted as possible suitors for the England goalkeeper amid their pursuit of a new shot-stopper.

However, the Blues eventually decided to retain faith with Robert Sanchez and Man Utd brought in Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp on Deadline Day.

Although Enzo Maresca appears content with Sanchez as his first-choice goalkeeper, it clearly remains a problem position for the west London giants and they have now been handed the perfect chance to sign Trafford.

While a loan deal may not be ideal, it would enable Chelsea to land a long-term target and it could potentially lead to a permanent transfer next summer.