Trafford admits club No.1 status is key to England dream as City weigh £40m exit

James Trafford has openly conceded that he needs to be a first-choice club goalkeeper to fulfil his England ambitions, as uncertainty over his Manchester City future deepens following Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival from PSG.

Speaking while on international duty with England, Trafford was candid about the challenge of the past season. “History says yeah,” he said when asked whether starting regularly for his club was a prerequisite for becoming England’s No.1. “There hasn’t been a goalie start for any of the top nations that isn’t a number one at the club.”

The City academy graduate returned to the Etihad Stadium expecting to be first choice, only to find his path blocked by the signing of Italy international Donnarumma. Despite that setback, Trafford played a significant role in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup runs, with City winning both competitions with him between the posts.

“It’s been challenging the past season, but looking back, I’ve learned so much, I’ve developed so much,” Trafford said. “It was tough. Some days were harder than others, but the one thing I wanted to keep doing was keep winning and improving every day.”

He reflected on what might have been had Donnarumma not arrived. “If I would have become England’s number one for the tournament, it would have been brilliant. I’d have been very happy [being City’s No.1], but obviously I didn’t. They ended up signing Gigi, and I didn’t play the majority of the games, and that’s football.”

Thomas Tuchel’s England side currently relies on Everton’s Jordan Pickford as first choice, with Crystal Palace’s Dean Henderson also in the squad. Trafford, who earned his call-up on the back of his cup performances, is viewed as a long-term contender for the position ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Should City decide to sell, they are expected to demand around £40m for the goalkeeper — a figure that would represent a profit on their initial investment and reflects his standing as one of the more promising young keepers in English football.