Tottenham have been linked to ‘this’ Manchester City star for quite a while.
Tottenham have explored the possibility of signing James Trafford from Manchester City this summer, but the 23-year-old has made his position clear: he will only open formal talks with Spurs if they remain in the Premier League. That is the crux of a report from Freelance journo Harry, later confirmed by Tottenham journo Gary Ward, and it is a condition that perfectly captures where Tottenham currently find themselves. One point clear of the bottom three with two games to play, survival is still not mathematically confirmed. Until it is, everything else is secondary.
The interest makes sense on both sides. Trafford has spent the majority of this season as second choice at the Etihad, making only three Premier League starts after Gianluigi Donnarumma established himself as Pep Guardiola’s undisputed number one following his summer arrival. Trafford returned to Manchester City on a five-year deal in July 2025 when the club activated their buy-back clause and matched Newcastle’s £31 million bid, but regular football was never guaranteed, and at 23, with an England career still to fully launch, the situation is becoming harder to justify. He told ESPN earlier this season he did not expect to be the second-choice goalkeeper, and nothing has changed that dynamic since.
Tottenham’s need is equally obvious. Guglielmo Vicario has reportedly already reached a full agreement to join Inter Milan this summer, which leaves Antonin Kinsky as the only recognised senior option at the club. Kinsky has been solid in recent weeks under Roberto De Zerbi, his stoppage-time save at Molineux in the 1-0 win over Wolves being a particular highlight of a genuine redemption arc, but whether he is the long-term answer at a club aiming to rebuild is a different question entirely.
Aston Villa and Newcastle are also interested in James Trafford
Freelance Harry and Ward report that Aston Villa and Newcastle United are also in the frame for Trafford, which means Tottenham cannot afford to drag their feet if they do stay up. Villa are in the Europa League final and are virtually guaranteed Champions League football next season. Newcastle, although not having the best of their seasons, look set for another year of PL football.
Both represent more straightforward destinations for a goalkeeper who needs game time and a clear pathway. Tottenham’s pitch to Trafford only becomes compelling if De Zerbi is building something in the Premier League, not the Championship. The next two fixtures will answer that question.