Wayne Rooney has urged Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford to consider leaving the club this summer, despite his standout performance in the Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal.
Trafford, 23, delivered one of the defining moments of the final at Wembley, producing a remarkable triple save to deny Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka in quick succession as City secured a 2-0 win and lifted the trophy. His display earned widespread praise and reinforced his reputation as one of England’s most promising young goalkeepers.
However, Rooney believes Trafford’s long-term future may lie away from the Etihad Stadium. The former England captain has suggested that limited opportunities behind first-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma could stall his development.
Speaking on the situation, Rooney said Trafford has “a big future” but warned that regular game time is essential at this stage of his career. He indicated that a move may be the only realistic route for the goalkeeper to gain the experience needed to fulfil his potential
‘We’ve all known the potential he has and he’s got a big future in front of him,’ the former Manchester United and England captain said on his BBC podcast.
‘But I still haven’t seen enough of him at the top level to fully judge him. I think it’s going to be difficult now, obviously, with Donnarumma at Man City.
‘It looks like probably the only way for him to get that experience and go and play is to move club. Unless he’s really patient and waits around.’
Asked whether joining Man City was the ‘wrong move’ for Trafford, Rooney added: ‘At the time probably not, but then Man City signed Donnarumma. He must have been gutted. It looked the Donnarumma deal was quite quick in the way it played out.
‘I’d imagine all of Trafford’s negotiations and talks were about how he was going to take over from Ederson. And then Donnarumma signs.
‘But from City’s point of view if someone of Donnarumma’s quality becomes available, you’ve got to be ready to go and get him and Man City did that.’
Why Trafford must move—and why Chelsea makes sense
Rooney’s advice reflects a broader reality for young goalkeepers at elite clubs: talent alone is not enough without minutes. Trafford has already shown—particularly in a high-pressure final—that he possesses top-level ability. But sporadic appearances, even in cup competitions, are unlikely to provide the consistency required to refine his decision-making, positioning, and command of the penalty area.
At 23, this is a pivotal stage. Goalkeepers often peak later than outfield players, but they still require regular exposure to competitive football to develop authority and confidence. Remaining second-choice at Manchester City risks stagnation, regardless of how strong the training environment may be.
A move to CHELSEA could offer the ideal balance. The club’s current uncertainty in the goalkeeper position creates a genuine pathway to becoming a first-choice option. Unlike at City, Trafford would not be blocked by an established, world-class No.1, and he would have the opportunity to grow through consistent Premier League minutes.
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