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James Trafford has expressed reluctance to settle for a second-choice role as goalkeeper at Manchester City, according to recent reports.
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Newcastle United is confident that he has the potential to become one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League.
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The 23-year-old goalkeeper was recently added to Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the England team for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Newcastle United is emerging as a strong contender to acquire James Trafford from Manchester City, as the goalkeeper has made it clear he is not willing to be second-choice again behind Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The England international featured in only four Premier League matches last season and is currently preparing with Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place in North America.
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Trafford received his call-up to the England squad alongside fellow goalkeepers Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson and has been adapting to the high temperatures in the United States, where thermometers have soared above 34C.
After making his senior international debut against Uruguay in March 2026, Trafford has yet to solidify his role in the national team but has the chance to establish himself if his performances meet expectations ahead of the World Cup.
The 23-year-old is increasingly eager for consistent playing time at the club level, particularly with the World Cup ahead, as his ambition remains to secure more gametime, prompting concerns about his future at the Etihad Stadium.
Trafford’s future clarified amid Premier League interest
According to TEAMtalk, discussions between James Trafford’s representatives and Newcastle’s sporting director Hugo Viana have occurred, emphasizing that the goalkeeper is set on playing regularly and does not wish to spend another season as a backup.
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The goalkeeper returned to East Manchester last summer after a £30 million transfer from Burnley with the belief he would have a significant chance of becoming Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper and successor to Ederson.
However, those plans changed dramatically on transfer deadline day when Manchester City were presented with the opportunity to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain, which resulted in Trafford mainly playing in cup matches.
Trafford’s key contributions at Manchester City
Despite this setback, Trafford had a successful tenure, helping Pep Guardiola secure two trophies—the Carabao Cup and FA Cup—during his last season at the club.
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Trafford showcased his talents across both tournaments, notably delivering a remarkable triple save at Wembley against Arsenal, which led to Manchester City winning the match after a Nico O’Reilly brace in the second half.
Currently, it is widely acknowledged that James Trafford has valid reasons to consider a transfer if he believes his situation won’t improve following Enzo Maresca’s anticipated appointment as Pep Guardiola’s successor.
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His outstanding performances towards the end of the 2025/26 season have only increased Newcastle’s eagerness to bring him to St James’ Park for the next season under Eddie Howe.