Pep Guardiola has left open the possibility of a departure for James Trafford at the end of the season. During a press conference, Guardiola stated that players can be happy or unhappy and that this is the way things are. He said they must stay, do the best possible, and then it will be seen what happens at the end of the season. Guardiola added that the important thing is that they make themselves ready.

James Trafford is not completely happy with his role at Manchester City after Gianluigi Donnarumma was signed on Deadline Day, making him the second-choice goalkeeper. Trafford does not rule out a summer transfer. The Athletic considers a transfer realistic, stating that it seems unlikely Trafford will want to remain in a secondary role for another year. The publication adds that given his talent and potential, there will be many interested parties in the summer. James Trafford said that it is unknown what will happen, as it is football, and that he takes it day by day and works as hard as possible.

According to 90min, James Trafford was open to leaving City in January for more playing time but was told by Guardiola he was needed as cover for Donnarumma. His desire to leave is likely to return in the summer, when City is expected to be more willing to agree to a transfer. Newcastle may still be interested, although the club will have to decide on its option to buy Aaron Ramsdale permanently when his loan from Southampton expires. Aston Villa and West Ham United have also been mentioned as interested clubs.

According to a December report from Daily Mail Sport, James Trafford, Manchester City's 23-year-old English goalkeeper, wanted a transfer during the winter window due to concern about not being selected for England’s World Cup squad, and had made 3 appearances in the Premier League this season. At least one Premier League club showed interest in Trafford last month, and it is anticipated that several interested clubs will emerge in the coming months. Newcastle United, West Ham United, and Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs that have been associated with the player. Trafford has not yet made his senior debut for England and has a contract with his current club until 2030. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is €25.00m. Recent reports from February 2026 state that Manchester City values the player at £30 million (approximately €35 million). He transferred from Burnley in July 2025 for a reported fee of €31.2 million.