James Trafford receives Manchester City future plea from Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has laid his cards firmly on the table with regards to the long-term future of James Trafford at Manchester City.

The latest comments from the City manager arrive at a time when Trafford’s situation has been under increasing scrutiny, particularly following the reshaping of the club’s goalkeeping department over the last transfer window.

With Gianluigi Donnarumma installed as the undisputed No.1 and Stefan Ortega exploring potential exits, Trafford has found himself occupying a pivotal role in City’s long-term planning rather than an immediate starting position.

Recent reports have repeatedly stressed that Guardiola sees Trafford as central to City’s future, with the manager insisting that the Englishman would not be leaving this month, dismissing suggestions of a mid-season move despite growing interest from Premier League and European clubs.

There has also been growing synergy between Trafford’s situation and the broader goalkeeper market surrounding City. With Ortega expected to leave either this month or on a free in summer, Trafford is increasingly viewed as vital to the current structure.

Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg against Newcastle United on Tuesday night, Pep Guardiola was quizzed on what the future could hold for James Trafford – who currently acts as the club’s No.2 between the sticks.

“We count on him, we want him. What’s going to happen at the end of the season, we’ll see,” said the club’s head coach.

The 54-year-old continued, “I’d love him to stay for many, many, many years because he has attributes to play in a big, big club like us.

“But the situation of keepers is special, different, and we’ll see what happens at the end of the season.”

Pep Guardiola’s words serve as both reassurance and a challenge for James Trafford, underlining the manager’s admiration for his ability and potential, whilst also pointing to the reality of life as a goalkeeper at a club where competition is unforgiving.

What happens next may hinge on how the remainder of the season unfolds. If Trafford continues to develop and remain patient, City could find themselves with a ready-made successor waiting patiently behind Donnarumma.

However, should Trafford feel his pathway remains blocked, the temptation of a starting role elsewhere may become increasingly difficult to ignore.

For now, City want Trafford, value him, and see him as a long-term asset. Whether that vision aligns with James Trafford’s own ambitions will likely define one of the most intriguing goalkeeper storylines at the Etihad Stadium over the next few months.