There is no doubt that James Trafford is destined to have an exceptional career as a goalkeeper. Trafford looks to be England’s next number-one keeper for a decade, although his future may lie away from Manchester City. Trafford signed for City from Burnley last summer, and he had hoped to become Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper. Unfortunately, City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG, and from that point onward, Trafford has become City’s backup and cup keeper. To his credit, James Trafford has performed exceptionally well when called upon to start. His performances against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final and against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final highlight this.
James Trafford has another opportunity to start today in Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton. Ahead of the summer transfer window, Trafford has another opportunity to put his name up in lights for potential suitors.
James Trafford will start in goal today for Manchester City against Southampton.
In news that surprised no one, Pep Guardiola confirmed during his pre-game press conference that James Trafford will start in goal against Southampton. The Manchester City manager was asked which keeper out of James Trafford or Gianluigi Donnarumma would start at Wembley, he responded: “James.”
“In the Carabao Cup he was a main, main figure and the FA Cup the same. I’m really pleased that he can play.”
“I’ve said many times the big clubs have to have two big goalkeepers and we’re really good. James and Gigio are there.”
It would have been a bigger surprise if James Trafford didn’t start today’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton. Pep Guardiola’s announcement came as no surprise. Trafford is made for the biggest stage and he has shown that in Manchester City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal. Also, it is expected that James Trafford will leave Manchester City to become the number-one goalkeeper elsewhere next season. If James Trafford can put in another impressive display in goal, it will further his case for a Champions League club to put in a bid for his services.
No one wants to see James Trafford leave Manchester City. He’s a City academy graduate, and if he did one day become Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper, it would be a fairytale. However, James Trafford deserves the opportunity to be the number-one keeper somewhere, and he will likely get that opportunity this summer.
In a frustrating season for him, James Trafford has the right attitude.
There is no doubt that while the 2025-26 season has been a learning experience for James Trafford, it has also been a frustrating experience for him. Playing second fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma has been hard for Trafford to come to terms with. To his credit, the England international has displayed a great attitude throughout this season. This stood out when Trafford spoke with BBC ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton. Speaking on this season, Trafford said: “It has obviously been very up and down throughout the season because I haven’t played too much and obviously I had a decision to make in the summer.”
“Everyone always thinks when you make decisions [for] the best possible outcome and obviously it hasn’t been the best possible outcome, but I have just tried to either improve every day and just try and stay positive, try and stay happy.”
“Because throughout the year it has been such a big learning experience so the main thing I didn’t want is for it to impact your general happiness and your general feeling. I have had to learn a lot throughout the year and I have just tried to work as hard as I can and try and improve and win the day.”
James Trafford, to his credit, has been superb in goal throughout Manchester City’s runs in the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. When the opportunity has arisen for Trafford to play, he has seized it with both hands. He hasn’t sulked, and the way Trafford spoke with the BBC, his attitude has been superb in trying circumstances. Trafford has the opportunity to start today at Wembley, and there is little doubt that he will be at his best in goal, which could also set himself up for a big move this summer.
