Journalist Florian Plettenberg claims that custodian James Trafford is willing to leave Manchester City this summer in pursuit of greater playing time. With Gianluigi Donnarumma entrenched as the primary choice, City may find it difficult to convince Trafford to stay past this season even though they are not willing to trade him.
If Bart Verbrugge leaves, Brighton & Hove Albion views Trafford as a “dream target”. They also have Robin Risser of RC Lens and Noah Atubolu of SC Freiburg on their shortlist.
It is known that a number of Premier League teams are interested in Trafford. Among the teams around him are Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur.
Juventus, one of the biggest teams in Italy, is keeping an eye on him and is looking to compete for Michele Di Gregorio. Two years after first departing the team permanently, Trafford returned to City last summer from Burnley. After Ederson left for Fenerbahce, he was supposed to take over as their starting goalie. But once Donnarumma was signed by the Cityzens, Trafford had to take a back seat to the Italian custodian.
Brighton lead race to sign Man City goalkeeper
Trafford is considered one of England’s best promising goalkeepers at the young age of 23. However, with so many well-known players in the team, it has never been easy to get into Manchester City’s starting eleven.
His growth is at a critical point, and the need to get regular playing time may force him to relocate. Brighton is becoming one of the most serious rivals among the teams keeping an eye on Trafford’s circumstances. If current Brighton custodian Bart Verbruggen departs the team this summer, he is considered a “dream target”.
Major European teams have taken notice of Verbruggen following a number of outstanding performances, and Brighton is renowned for organising squad changes well in advance. Brighton’s recruitment staff seems to have already narrowed down possible candidates in case Verbruggen leaves.
In addition to Trafford, two more players who have made an impression in their respective divisions are Robin Risser of RC Lens and Noah Atubolu of Freiburg. However, if Brighton prioritises a custodian who can rapidly adapt, Trafford’s familiarity with the Premier League and his English heritage may offer him an edge.
