- Man City goalkeeper James Trafford expected to leave this summer
- Pierce Charles a highly-rated possible replacement
- Goalkeeper came through City’s academy
Manchester City are considering a move for former academy graduate Pierce Charles, with growing uncertainty over goalkeeper James Trafford’s future.
Sheffield Wednesday keeper Pierce Charles was born in Manchester, and rose through the academy ranks at City before joining the Owls aged 16.
The 20-year-old has rapidly developed and is already a senior international with Northern Ireland, having won 10 caps since his debut as a teenager in 2024.
Charles is now viewed as one of the most promising young keepers in Europe, and is expected to leave Wednesday at the end of the season, with the Yorkshire club already relegated to League One.
Now, Team Talk are reporting that City are among the clubs weighing up a move for the youngster, with a view to replacing James Trafford.
Multiple clubs interested in Man City target Pierce Charles
While Pep Guardiola’s side are among those interested, they are far from the only possible destination for Pierce Charles next season.
Championship leaders Coventry City are expected to lose keeper Carl Rushworth, and will need a new number one as they prepare for promotion to the Premier League.
Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United and Newcastle are also reported to be monitoring Charles’ situation, as interest in the Wednesday star grows.
Charles would be a perfect understudy to Gianluigi Donnarumma
A return to a familiar setting could be ideal for Charles, having spent many years at City during his academy days.
As a 20-year-old goalkeeper, he is still raw and inexperienced, despite his undoubted ability and potential to develop further.
🔵 Man City are keen on bringing academy star Pierce Charles back to the club to replace Tottenham-linked James Trafford this summer 🧤@GraemeBailey ✍️ | #MCFChttps://t.co/qJZAcLgmpQ
— TEAMtalk (@TEAMtalk) April 9, 2026
With Trafford expected to depart, the Carabao Cup winners need a backup keeper to support and learn from Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The world-class Italian is widely regarded as one of, if not the best, goalkeepers in world football. There can be few better players for Charles to be around in training as he looks to improve his own game.
Charles could be the solution to Man City’s James Trafford problem
It has been a difficult time for James Trafford since his arrival at City from Burnley last summer. Another academy graduate, he rejoined the club after helping the Clarets win promotion back to the Premier League last season.
However, having started City’s first three Premier League games this season, he has not featured in the league since Donnarumma’s arrival.
James Trafford will be leaving Manchester City this summer ‘as it stands’ reports @spbajko pic.twitter.com/wqRA5wePGR
— mcfc lads (@mcfc_lads) April 9, 2026
The 23-year-old’s career has been put on pause for much of this season, and an exit looks almost inevitable, despite the club’s reluctance to lose their £27 million signing. It could therefore be a masterstroke to bring in Charles.
Still, with the Daily Mail reporting that City want between £35-40m for Trafford, it could take time for them to find a suitable buyer.
