While James Trafford might have only completed a big-money return to Manchester City last summer, the England international should be planning for yet another Etihad exit over the coming months.

Only completing a reported £31million return to the Premier League giants nine months ago, the former Burnley shot-stopper suddenly finds himself at the heart of a major career crossroads.

Despite returning to the Etihad last summer after being told by Pep Guardiola that he would be City’s number one choice for the 2025/26 campaign, Trafford was almost instantly replaced as Gianluigi Donnarumma completed a blockbuster late switch.

Helping PSG to a maiden Champions League crown just a few months prior, the Italian skipper immediately underlined his spot between the sticks and Trafford has been forced to watch on from the sidelines.

Making his senior England debut over the weekend and certainly not short of options should the Man City hierarchy sanction an immediate departure this summer, Trafford certainly has another major decision on his hands for a goalkeeper who is still just 23 years of age.

Trafford’s need to be a number one choice

Returning to the blue half of Manchester last summer, it is no secret that Trafford arrived at the Etihad believing that he would be immediately installed as City’s number one choice.

However, watching Donnarumma shockingly announce his intentions to leave reigning European champions PSG late in the summer window, Guardiola’s side were handed an incredibly rare opportunity.

Knowing that they couldn’t pass up on a goalkeeper that is almost universally regarded as one of the best of his generation, Trafford’s dream return to Manchester almost became a nightmare over night.

Although Trafford might have played the full 90 minutes during City’s 2-0 EFL Cup final victory against Arsenal last week, he has not made a single Premier League appearance since the end of August and has had to accept his role as Donnarumma’s deputy.

Publicly announcing earlier in the year that he is not happy with his current situation at the Etihad, Guardiola has been more than understanding and has been nothing but complementary of the New England international.

Earning a first senior cap after starting for the Three Lions during their 1-1 stalemate against Uruguay on Friday night, Trafford is expected to be part of Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad this summer.

“This moment means a lot to me… I always imagined that I’d win it one day”
“It’s not been easy… it’s a testament to myself” 🥹

James Trafford on a memorable Carabao Cup win for Manchester City. pic.twitter.com/fZAjiPPFe9

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 22, 2026

Newcastle once again in pole position

Before Trafford made his shock return to the Etihad last summer, it appeared almost certain that the ex-Burnley goalkeeper was on his way to St. James’ Park.

With it reported that Newcastle had agreed a £30million deal with the Clarets prior to City’s late swoop, Trafford will certainly feel that his decision to pass on a move to Tyneside was a real siding doors moment in his young career.

However, despite publicly snubbing a move to St. James’ Park last summer, Newcastle have actively reignited their interest and are reportedly leading the chase to finally acquire the 23-year-old.

With Nick Pope recently sacrificing his spot to fellow England international Aaron Ramsdale, it has been suggested that a new number one goalkeeper is high on Newcastle’s summer wishlist.

Although both Tottenham and Aston Villa might have been linked for City’s wantaway deputy shot-stopper, Football Insider reported over the weekend that Eddie Howe’s side are sat in the driving seat.

With Newcastle reportedly once again making it clear to Trafford and his representatives that he will be installed as the Magpies’ undisputed number one should he complete a long-awaited move to St. James’ this summer, a permanent home on Tyneside would certainly help him in the battle to dethrone Jordan Pickford.