James Trafford will be open to a loan move in January to preserve his World Cup dreams, sources have confirmed to TBR Football.
Trafford sealed a return to Manchester City in the summer, opting to return to the Etihad rather than join Newcastle United.
He started the campaign ahead of their previous number one Ederson, who has since sealed a move to Fenerbahce.
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However, instead of competing with Stefan Ortega for the right to succeed Ederson, City had other plans, as they signed Italian superstar Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain.
Erling Haaland and Donnarumma during Man City vs Man United.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Pep Guardiola has wasted no time in making Donnarumma his new starting goalkeeper, and he showed glimpses of his brilliance during his debut against Man United, where he kept a clean sheet. And now, Trafford is in a tough situation.
Sources: Manchester City will explore James Trafford loan
Sources have informed TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey that Man City are aware of the impending issues coming their way with Trafford and have been told that the situation will indeed be looked at in the coming months, as they understand the player’s potential frustrations.
The fact that City kept Ortega means they could potentially be open to a temporary deal for Trafford.
He was named in Thomas Tuchel’s recent England squad, having started the season with City – but the chances of him remaining in the party without first-team football are highly unlikely.
The 22-year-old has endured mixed fortunes since his return to the Etihad. Following the opening day win, he started both losses to Tottenham and Brighton, and Trafford could have received a red card against Spurs for a challenge on Mohammed Kudus.
James Trafford of Manchester City looks dejected during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
And now Trafford is likely to be relegated to backup goalkeeper duties for the foreseeable future after Donnarumma produced a Man of the Match display on his Premier League debut.
Man City paid a record transfer fee for a British goalkeeper in bringing the goalkeeper back to the Etihad, and Trafford also enjoyed an impressive debut against Wolves.
However, he faces stiff competition for a starting berth in the England squad ahead of the World Cup with undisputed number one Jordan Pickford, and Trafford understands he stands no chance of competing with the Everton shot-stopper while sitting on the bench in Manchester.
Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected be the number one at Man City
The Italian goalkeeper was immediately thrown into the starting line-up following his £25 million move from PSG on deadline day.
While doubts persist about whether Donnarumma’s weaknesses in terms of playing with the ball at his feet would be detrimental in Guardiola’s system, he responded with an impressive debut.
Donnarumma produced a sensational save to deny Bryan Mbeumo in the Manchester derby and never looked like conceding a goal at the Etihad.
Indeed, Man City took advantage of a fantastic market opportunity in the final week of the transfer window, but now Guardiola must deal with a disheartened Trafford, who will likely be granted his wish should no serious injury concerns arise between now and January.