Southampton are interested in signing Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford on loan in January, according to reports from TEAMtalk.
The 22-year-old England shot-stopper is facing an uncertain future at the Etihad Stadium after Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival, and his departure on a temporary deal at the turn of the year is now seen as a realistic possibility.
At least two Championship clubs, including Southampton and Leicester City, are said to be keeping tabs on Trafford’s situation after he fell down Pep Guardiola’s pecking order following Donnarumma’s move from Paris Saint-Germain.
Trafford re-joined Man City this summer following an impressive season at Burnley, where he kept 29 clean sheets in 45 league appearances and was named PFA Championship Player of the Year.
The ‘world-class’ 22-year-old has made four appearances in all competitions for Man City so far, including their 2-0 win over Huddersfield in the EFL Cup third round on Wednesday.
Southampton Interested in James Trafford
According to TEAMtalk, Donnarumma’s arrival has disrupted Trafford’s trajectory, with questions now mounting over whether the Englishman can secure the regular time needed to cement his place in the England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
A January loan move is now seen as a plausible possibility, with the report indicating Trafford may push for a temporary move away from the Etihad Stadium to ensure regular playing time.
A host of Premier League and Championship clubs are said to be monitoring Trafford’s situation, including Southampton, who have Gavin Bazunu and Alex McCarthy competing for minutes this season.
Man City could be open to Trafford’s departure on loan in January, considering they also have Stefan Ortega in the squad, who could act as a back-up for Donnarumma in the second part of the season.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Trafford has kept three clean sheets in 31 Premier League appearances to date.
Following their relegation back to the Championship, Southampton saw goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale depart on loan to Newcastle, who have an option to make the deal permanent after the season.
Newcastle turned to Ramsdale after missing out on Trafford, while Southampton put their faith again in Bazunu and McCarthy, who oversaw the club’s promotion to the Premier League during the 2023/24 campaign.
Will Still’s side are winless in their last five Championship games, keeping just one clean sheet, and are sitting 19th in the table with six points.
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