According to a recent report from Goal, Liverpool is considering a summer transfer for James Trafford. However, they face competition from other Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa, all of whom are monitoring the situation of the Manchester City goalkeeper.
Trafford’s journey took an unexpected turn when Manchester City activated the buyback clause in his contract with Burnley, bringing him back to the Etihad for approximately £27 million. Initially seen as a potential replacement for Ederson, Trafford’s prospects dimmed following the signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma on transfer deadline day.
Despite starting in the opening league matches, Trafford’s appearances have been limited to Cup competitions since Donnarumma’s arrival. His rise to prominence came during his time at Burnley, following a series of loans to Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers in League One, which facilitated a £15 million (with potential add-ons reaching £19 million) move to the Clarets in the summer of 2023.
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 27: James Trafford of England reacts towards teammate Harry Maguire during the international friendly match between England and Uruguay at Wembley Stadium on March 27, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Vincent Kompany, then-manager of Burnley, utilized his connections at Man City to secure Trafford’s services after their promotion to the top flight. Despite Burnley’s relegation at the end of the 2023-24 season, Trafford played a crucial role in helping them regain immediate Premier League status under Scott Parker.
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Reasons for Liverpool to Intensify Their Pursuit of Trafford
As a young international player, Trafford may be seeking a new opportunity for the starting role, and Liverpool could provide him with that chance amidst uncertainty surrounding Alisson Becker’s future. Although Alisson remains the first choice for the team, his advancing age and ongoing injury concerns could prompt the club to consider offers, especially with Juventus reportedly interested in bringing him back to Italy in the upcoming season.
After parting ways with Caoimhin Kelleher, Liverpool secured Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia to serve as Alisson’s backup. However, the early performances of the Georgian have not fully convinced the staff, with inconsistencies in his distribution and ball handling potentially leading to the need for another goalkeeper, particularly given Alisson’s role in play buildup.
Trafford is highly regarded for his shot-stopping skills, distribution, agility, and ability to maintain composure under pressure, making him a suitable candidate to replace the current Liverpool keeper. Nevertheless, with Chelsea, Newcastle, Tottenham, and Villa all facing goalkeeper challenges, it could lead to a competitive bidding situation for City’s ‘number 2’ this summer.