- Man City goalkeeper James Trafford is attracting interest
- Brighton are keen to sign him
- City do not want to let him leave
Manchester City have made their stance clear on James Trafford, despite an emerging interest from Brighton & Hove Albion.
England international Trafford joined City from Burnley last summer, returning to his boyhood club after helping the Clarets gain promotion back to the Premier League.
The 23-year-old’s £27 million move was expected to see the star become a mainstay at the Etihad Stadium, replacing the outgoing Ederson.
However, the arrival of world-class Italian shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma has reduced him to a handful of cup appearances, and interest is now growing in Trafford.
Brighton seriously interested in James Trafford
Plenty of clubs have shown an interest in signing Trafford. Last summer, Newcastle attempted to sign him before he rejoined City, and remain big admirers.
Meanwhile, Tottenham and Aston Villa have also been linked, but Florian Plettenberg has now reported that Brighton have entered the race.
🚨EXCL | James Trafford is open to leaving Manchester City this summer in order to play regularly. #MCFC want to keep him.
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) April 21, 2026
For Brighton, he is one of the dream transfer targets should Bart Verbruggen leave the club. Other high-ranking candidates include Robin Risser (RC Lens)… pic.twitter.com/FXvmGWDqUv
The Seagulls see Trafford as a replacement for Bart Verbruggen, with the Dutchman expected to leave this summer.
Manchester City do not want to sell Trafford
Despite significant interest from elsewhere, and the player reportedly keen on a move in order to earn more playing time, City would prefer to keep Trafford.
He remains one of the brightest young goalkeepers in England, and his £27m outlay marks a significant investment from the club.
It would be an uncharacteristically bad piece of transfer business for the Carabao Cup winners to sell Trafford at a loss after just one season.
Should City let Trafford leave?
The goalkeeping situation at City has turned Trafford’s dream move into a nightmare scenario. With minimal opportunities, his development is being stalled dramatically.
Understandably, Guardiola and the club hierarchy do not want to lose Trafford, but he simply has to be playing top-level football every week at his age.
Any permanent sale would almost certainly be at a loss compared with what was paid last summer, so a loan seems like the most sensible option.
Trafford could then continue to develop and improve, but remain a City player and potential option for the future.
