Liverpool initiate surprise talks for Man City star

Liverpool have made their first move towards a deal for a Manchester City star. A surprise one, certainly.

Goal report that Liverpool have expressed an interest in signing Manchester City's James Trafford. The goalkeeper joined his boyhood club at the start of the season but things quickly turned sour.

City ended the transfer window by signing Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian arrived as first-choice - a role that had been promised to Trafford.

And so Trafford now wants out as his move was supposed to make him the no.1 goalkeeper at a top club. City will almost certainly allow him to leave for the right price.

But Liverpool's interest comes as a surprise. Trafford hasn't been linked with the club and they've got two elite goalkeepers in Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili.

It seems that the Reds will shake up their goalkeeper options then and a move for Trafford is a very interesting one. If he were to arrive at Anfield, who would be leaving?

James Trafford: Situation Summary

Manchester City Standing and Performance

As of 23 April 2026, James Trafford is facing frustration at Manchester City. Despite returning from Burnley to be the number one, the late signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma has relegated the 23-year-old to a secondary role. He has been restricted to 14 appearances, primarily in domestic cups, though he kept a clean sheet in the Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal. In limited league action, he maintained a 7.59 average rating, highlighted by a standout performance against Liverpool on 4 April.

Transfer Speculation and Exit

Trafford is widely expected to leave this summer for regular football. Liverpool and Chelsea have joined the race, with the Reds viewing him as a potential successor to Alisson. Newcastle and Brighton also remain interested. While Pep Guardiola wants to keep him, City may sanction a sale for £30–40 million.

International Role

Trafford is a fixture in Thomas Tuchel’s England squads, recently playing 90 minutes in a 1–1 draw with Uruguay. He is projected to be a key member of the 2026 World Cup squad this June.

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