One Manchester City first-team player has been heavily linked with a January exit from the club.placeholder image
One Manchester City first-team player has been heavily linked with a January exit from the club. | Getty Images
Manchester City have seen an out-of-favour star linked with an exit from the club in January
Manchester City are in the midst of a challenge to return to domestic and European glory as Pep Guardiola’s side close in on leaders Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.
The Cityzens saw their four-year monopoly over the league title end with a whimper in 2024/25 but have since begun a rebuild and are already mounting a challenge to take back their league crown in 2026. Just two points behind Arsenal as we get ever closer to Christmas, it is still all to play for in the second half of the season.
Outgoings could also play a major role in City’s window, as Guardiola aims to maintain the perfect squad capable of challenging across several fronts as the season intensifies.
James Trafford attracting transfer interest from rival Premier League clubs
Man City goalkeeper James Trafford has been heavily linked with an early Etihad exit in recent weeks, with the 23-year-old reported to be unhappy with the lack of playing time he has received since returning to his boyhood club in the summer.
Several top-flight clubs have expressed an interest in a ‘swoop’ for the young shot-stopper, with Wolves amongst those linked, alongside the likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur - all of whom are thought to recognise the vast potential Trafford possesses, as he aims to become England’s next No.1 after Jordan Pickford. But it increasingly appears as though he will need to step away from the Etihad in order to realise this aspiration.
Man City stance on Trafford exit this January revealed
Reports by Football Insider reveal that Man City have ‘no intention’ of allowing Trafford to depart in January, with the player believed to have a role to play as Guardiola’s men compete to win multiple competitions.
The report states that sources say Trafford is ‘set to stay put until the summer at least’, with a summer 2026 exit possible. It is thought that Guardiola and the club hierarchy will ‘block’ any advances by rival clubs to secure a deal for the 23-year-old this winter.
The City No.2 goalkeeper looks likely to be forced to settle for limited minutes in cup competitions and the Champions League for the rest of the season, severely damaging his hopes of landing a spot on the plane for the World Cup with England next summer. His services will be required more urgently if Donnarumma were to pick up an injury in the run-in.
News of the Sky Blues’ stance over the sale of Trafford will come as a blow to interested parties, however it serves as a reminder that City are taking their trophy challenge seriously this term. They will feel that their former academy graduate will have his role to play if Guardiola and Co. are to get their hands on silverware once again this term and put to bed last year’s barren spell.
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