James Trafford is open to leaving Manchester City hero image

James Trafford is open to leaving Manchester City

Brighton views the English goalkeeper as an ideal transfer target should their current keeper depart.

Published: 21 Apr 2026 16:51 GMT • 4h ago

English goalkeeper James Trafford, 23, is open to leaving Manchester City this summer in search of regular playing time, though the club wants to keep him.

According to SkySportDE, Brighton & Hove Albion views him as an ideal transfer target should Bart Verbruggen depart. Other prominent candidates for Brighton are Robin Risser of RC Lens and Noah Atubolu. Trafford is also reportedly on the shortlist of several other English clubs, with Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur among those recently linked. The England international, who has one cap, is under contract until 2030. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is €25.00m. In February 2026, Manchester City's asking price was reportedly around €35 million.