Liverpool and Chelsea among clubs chasing Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford for Premier League move
Liverpool and Chelsea have emerged as the front‑runners in the pursuit of Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford as the summer transfer window approaches.
Both clubs are among six Premier League sides that have formally expressed interest in securing the 22‑year‑old England international.
Trafford arrived at the Etihad after a brief stint at Burnley, having been signed from the club for a reported £15 million in the summer of 2023.
Manchester City exercised a contractual matching clause to bring him back last summer, anticipating a gradual transition to the No. 1 role behind Ederson.
The transfer saga gained urgency after City completed the £26 million signing of Gianluigi Donnanumma from Paris Saint‑Germain just before the close of the 2025‑26 transfer window.
Donnanumma’s arrival displaced Trafford from the starting lineup, limiting his Premier League appearances to the first three fixtures of the campaign.
Since then, Trafford’s involvement has been confined to cup competitions, including the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and a single Champions League group‑stage match against Bayer Leverkusen.
He finished the season with 14 appearances across all competitions, a tally that includes his standout performance in the Carabao Cup final.
In that final, Trafford produced a spectacular triple save against Arsenal, a moment that contributed directly to City’s 2‑1 victory at Wembley.
His heroics earned him a place in the England senior squad, culminating in a debut versus Uruguay shortly after the cup triumph.
Trafford’s international resume also features a key role in England’s under‑21 European Championship win in 2023.
At the domestic level, his most recent outing was the FA Cup quarter‑final versus Liverpool, where he saved a penalty from Mohamed Salah in a 4‑0 win.
Trafford is set to start the upcoming FA Cup semi‑final against Southampton, offering a final showcase before the summer window opens.
Liverpool’s interest is amplified by the impending departure of Alisson Becker, who is expected to leave the club a year before his contract expires.
The Reds have already secured Georgian prospect Giorgi Mamardashvili for £29 million, positioning him as Alisson’s long‑term successor.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency between the posts after Robert Sanchez was dropped for the Champions League last‑16 tie with Paris Saint‑Germain.
Filip Jørgensen’s error in the 5‑2 first‑leg defeat to PSG has left Chelsea seeking a reliable starter ahead of next season’s campaign.
Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring the situation, though a potential signing could be jeopardised if the club faces relegation.
Spurs are expected to lose Guglielmo Vicario to Inter Milan, leaving a vacancy that could be filled by Trafford should their league status be confirmed.
Newcastle United’s pursuit of Trafford dates back to last summer when a bid was rejected after City exercised the matching clause.
The Magpies later secured Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton, yet Ramsdale has recently lost his starting place to Nick Pope under Eddie Howe.
Aston Villa complete the list of interested clubs, seeking to bolster a goalkeeping department that has seen mixed performances this season.
Trafford’s contract with Manchester City runs until 2026, the same year Alisson’s deal at Liverpool is due to expire.
City’s strategic decision to bring Donnanumma in was driven by the desire for a proven world‑class goalkeeper following their Champions League triumph.
Ederson’s departure to Fenerbahçe earlier this season opened the door for Trafford to claim the starting role before Donnanumma’s arrival.
Trafford’s own comments in February highlighted his professionalism, noting, “It’s football, it is what it is, you’ve got to keep grafting every day.”
He acknowledged the unexpected competition, stating, “I didn’t expect the situation [with Donnanumma] to happen, but it happened, so just get on with it.”
Statistically, Trafford’s clean‑sheet record this season stands at three in the Premier League before his benching.
The following table summarises his key performance metrics across all competitions for the 2025‑26 season.
| Competition | Appearances | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 3 | 1 |
| FA Cup | 4 | 2 |
| Carabao Cup | 4 | 2 |
| Champions League | 1 | 0 |
When comparing Trafford’s save percentage of 78 % in cup matches to Donnanumma’s 85 % in the Ligue 1 and Champions League last season, the Italian remains the statistical favourite.
However, Trafford’s age and potential resale value make him an attractive long‑term investment for clubs aiming to build a solid defensive foundation.
Liverpool’s recent transfer activity suggests a willingness to invest heavily in a successor to Alisson, a strategy mirrored by Chelsea’s urgent need for stability after a turbulent season.
Both clubs possess the financial capacity to meet Manchester City’s valuation, which is expected to be at least £30 million given the player’s recent performances.
The broader implications of Trafford’s move extend to the Premier League’s goalkeeping market, potentially triggering a cascade of transfers among mid‑table clubs.
Newcastle’s continued search for a permanent No. 1 could see them re‑enter negotiations, especially if their loan arrangement with Ramsdale proves unsatisfactory.
Aston Villa’s interest aligns with their recent emphasis on defensive solidity, a factor that has contributed to their climb up the league table this season.
Tottenham’s possible relegation scenario adds uncertainty, as a drop to the Championship would likely limit their ability to meet a £30 million fee.
Should Liverpool secure Trafford, they would benefit from a goalkeeper familiar with high‑pressure cup finals, an experience that could prove vital in their own European aspirations.
Chelsea, on the other hand, would gain a goalkeeper capable of immediate integration, addressing the deficiencies exposed in their recent Champions League exit.
Manchester City’s willingness to negotiate will be influenced by their depth in the goalkeeping department, with Donnanumma firmly entrenched as the first‑choice.
The club’s recent success, including a Carabao Cup win, suggests they are comfortable retaining a world‑class number 1 while allowing Trafford to seek regular football elsewhere.
Trafford’s career trajectory mirrors that of other English goalkeepers who left their boyhood clubs for regular first‑team action, such as Jordan Pickford’s move from Sunderland to Everton.
His development under Pep Guardiola, even in a limited capacity, has equipped him with a modern ball‑playing skill set prized by top clubs.
Analysts note that Trafford’s distribution accuracy of 71 % this season aligns with the tactical demands of possession‑based sides like Liverpool and Chelsea.
The upcoming FA Cup semi‑final will serve as a final audition, with scouts from interested clubs expected to be present at Wembley.
Regardless of the outcome, Trafford’s situation underscores the competitive nature of goalkeeper hierarchies at elite clubs.
His decision to assess options in the summer reflects a pragmatic approach to career progression, prioritising regular match exposure.
The transfer window promises to be one of the most active for goalkeepers this summer, with multiple Premier League clubs seeking to solidify this critical position.
Fans of Liverpool and Chelsea will be closely monitoring negotiations, hopeful that their respective clubs can secure the services of a young, England‑capped goalkeeper.
