Trafford admits he must leave Man City to chase England No.1 spot as Newcastle weigh £40m move

James Trafford has conceded he will likely need to leave Manchester City to have any realistic chance of becoming England’s first-choice goalkeeper, as Newcastle United rekindle their interest in a deal worth around £40 million.

The 23-year-old joined City from Burnley last summer for £27 million, expecting to compete for the No.1 shirt at the Etihad. Those plans were upended when Pep Guardiola moved late in the window to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma, leaving Trafford as backup for the majority of the season. He did play a meaningful role as City completed a domestic cup double, impressing in both finals, but consistent minutes never materialised.

Now away with England at the World Cup — where he remains behind Jordan Pickford in Thomas Tuchel’s pecking order — Trafford has been candid about what the evidence demands of him.

“History says yeah,” Trafford said when asked whether a club starting berth is essential to becoming an international No.1. “There hasn’t been a goalie start for any of the top nations that isn’t a number one at the club.”

He reflected on a difficult but instructive debut season at City: “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. I came out the season having played a part in winning the two trophies that we did. I learned a lot for myself and for going forward in my career.”

On Donnarumma’s arrival specifically, Trafford was measured: “They ended up signing Gigi, and I didn’t play the majority of the games, and that’s football. The two trophies were nice. Every day I just thought, keep improving, keep trying to win the day, and see where it takes me.”

Newcastle, who were keen on Trafford last summer before City exercised a buy-back clause, are understood to have made fresh contact with the club. Any transfer would cost Eddie Howe’s side approximately £40 million — a figure that reflects City’s desire to turn a profit on their £27 million outlay, as well as Trafford’s quality and a contract that still has four years to run.

For now, Trafford says transfer discussions are on hold until after the World Cup. Whether incoming City head coach Enzo Maresca opts to back him over Donnarumma will be a key factor in determining where he plays his football next season.