James Trafford, the 23-year-old goalkeeper for Manchester City, is reportedly seeking a transfer after struggling to secure a starting position against Gianluigi Donnarumma. According to well-known journalist Florian Plettenberg, Trafford has communicated his intentions to the club’s management during the current summer transfer window, expressing his desire for more playing time.
Manchester City has acknowledged Trafford’s wish, yet Donnarumma remains Pep Guardiola’s first-choice goalkeeper for the time being. One potential destination for Trafford is Brighton, especially as the club may part ways with Bart Verbruggen this summer.
Trafford joined Manchester City in the summer of 2025 from Burnley for €31.2 million but has not been able to unseat Donnarumma as the starting keeper. This season, he has made 10 appearances for the club, conceding 10 goals while achieving 7 clean sheets. His current market value is estimated at €25 million, according to Transfermarkt.
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