James Trafford of Manchester City reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Exeter City on January 10, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)placeholder image
James Trafford of Manchester City reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Exeter City on January 10, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United twice thought they were signing James Trafford before his summer move to Manchester City.
Newcastle came close to signing the 23-year-old from Burnley in the last two summer transfer windows after he agreed personal terms over a move.
The Magpies had a free run at signing Trafford in 2024 and a deal was set to happen, however the need to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) saw them sell Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest and sign Odysseas Vlachodimos in return.
United did return for Trafford last summer but were gazumped by Man City, who exercised their matching rights option to secure a £27million deal. Trafford spent eight years in the Citizens’ academy before he was sold to Burnley for a reported £19m.
James Trafford considering his future at Manchester City
The England international thought he was coming in as Man City’s number one but three games into the season, Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived from Paris Saint-Germain.
It was a transfer that left Trafford blindsided and one that has left him questioning his future at the Etihad Stadium.
Speaking after the FA Cup win over Salford City on Saturday, Trafford said: “I didn't expect the situation to happen, but it’s happened, so you just get on with it. Yeah. it's happened so I’ll work very hard every day and then see what happens, give it my best shot.