• Having played as the club’s No.2 choice last season behind Gianluigi Donnarumma, Trafford has been expected to depart.

Enzo Maresca has issued a clear update on the future of James Trafford, amid recent links to a move to Elland Road and Leeds United this summer.

Trafford returned to the Etihad Stadium after developing through the club’s Academy system only last summer, re-joining from Burnley in a deal reportedly worth £27 million plus further add-ons.

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The belief at the time was the Englishman would come in as the club’s new No.1 between the posts, replacing Ederson at the time, and started all of the club’s first three Premier League matches against Wolves, Tottenham Hotspur, and Brighton.

However, a late opportunity to secure Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain saw the Italian instantly installed as the club’s new first-choice, leaving Trafford restricted predominantly to Carabao Cup and FA Cup appearances.

With the 23-year-old holding clear ambitions of becoming England’s new number one ahead of Jordan Pickford, the expectation is that James Trafford would seek a move this summer in search of increased opportunities as a first choice at the top of the game.

James Trafford gives go-ahead for next club as Manchester City enter formal talks over sale

Now, despite a belief in various quarters that Newcastle United would revisit interest from recent windows, it is Daniel Farke’s Leeds United who are in direct talks with Manchester City over the goalkeeper – who is in favour of an Elland Road move.

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What has Enzo Maresca said on James Trafford’s future?

Speaking during his first press conference as Manchester City manager, Enzo Maresca was asked for his thoughts and updates surrounding the future of James Trafford amid developments on the England international this week.

“I know James because he was my keeper when I was with the Under-23s, so I know James very good,” said Maresca.

The Manchester City manager continued, “But again, when the transfer window is open, now or in January, anything can happen.

“So we’ll see, but at the moment he’s one of our keepers.”

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How would Trafford’s exit affect Man City’s transfer plans?

Should James Trafford formalise a move away from Manchester City as expected this summer, the Englishman would likely spark further movement from Hugo Viana in the transfer market.

Manchester City have already invested in their goalkeeper ranks once this summer, re-signing former Academy starlet Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday, but opting to loan the Northern Ireland international to Championship side QPR for the 2026/27 campaign.

At present, it remains to be seen what options City could turn to in their search for a new back-up goalkeeper behind Gianluigi Donnarumma, whilst it will also intrigue fans as to whether the club will install any favourable terms in an agreement with Leeds for Trafford.