Wayne Rooney has urged Manchester City goalkeeper and ***CHELSEA***James Trafford to consider leaving the club this summer.
Trafford, 23, delivered one of the defining moments of the Carabao 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.’
Would Trafford be good Chelsea signing?
Still only young for a goalkeeper, Trafford already shows the composure and maturity of a far more experienced player. His time within Manchester City’s system means he is comfortable playing out from the back—an essential trait for any modern CHELSEA goalkeeper.
He is calm under pressure, technically secure with his feet, and capable of acting as an extra outfield player when building attacks.
He has strong reflexes, good positioning, and a confidence that allows him to command his area—qualities Chelsea have lacked consistency in. Just as importantly, he brings hunger and room to grow, fitting perfectly with the club’s strategy of investing in young, high-potential talent.
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