Particle.news
Download on the App Store

James Trafford's FA Cup Heroics and Guardiola Praise Intensify Questions Over His Manchester City Future

The 23-year-old said his season has not matched expectations, sharpening focus on his need for regular football.

Overview

  • Trafford made two vital saves, including a standout stop from Ben Woodburn, in Manchester City’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Salford to reach the fifth round.
  • Speaking to BBC Sport, he called his cup-only role “not what I expected,” accepting the situation but stressing he must make the most of each appearance.
  • Pep Guardiola hailed Trafford as “so reliable” and a “fantastic keeper” after the performance, reinforcing his value in City’s rotation.
  • Since Gianluigi Donnarumma’s late-summer arrival, Trafford has largely featured in domestic cups and has not played Premier League minutes, with reports noting 11 appearances and multiple clean sheets this season.
  • Transfer talk has escalated with multiple Premier League clubs linked and fresh reports suggesting a summer decision, though City are understood to be willing to keep him if he remains as Donnarumma’s deputy.