Tottenham Target Manchester City's James Trafford in Summer Goalkeeping Move
Tottenham Hotspur are pushing to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford this summer, with the 23-year-old a key target for new manager Roberto De Zerbi, according to reports. The North London club, currently 17th in the Premier League, are looking to the 23-year-old as a potential new number one as they prepare for a busy transfer window under new management.
The pursuit, reported by TEAMtalk, indicates a clear priority for the summer window, with the club aiming to back De Zerbi with new signings. The Italian manager is said to be a big admirer of the young goalkeeper, who is currently on Manchester City's books but has spent the season on loan at Burnley. The England international, capped once at senior level, is seen as a potential long-term solution between the posts for Spurs.
Manchester City are understood to be open to a sale, with Ederson and Stefan Ortega providing established senior options at the Etihad. For Trafford, the move would represent a significant opportunity to establish himself as a first-choice Premier League goalkeeper after gaining experience on loan in the Championship and Premier League. Tottenham are believed to be confident they can offer the regular, first-team football the player is seeking to advance his career, with Guglielmo Vicario's form having been inconsistent this season.
De Zerbi, known for his meticulous tactical approach, is believed to be a significant draw for players, and the club hierarchy is determined to back his vision with quality signings. The move aligns with a broader strategy at Tottenham of investing in young, domestic talent, with the 23-year-old Englishman fitting the profile. While no fee has been disclosed, the deal is viewed as a significant investment in the club's long-term future between the posts.
Crucially, the report suggests that Trafford would be open to the move even if Tottenham were to be relegated to the Championship, a scenario that remains a mathematical possibility. This commitment is said to have strengthened Spurs' hand in negotiations and underlines the player's desire for regular first-team football. The potential transfer would mark a bold step in De Zerbi's project and signal the club's intent to build a competitive squad capable of climbing the table, regardless of the division they find themselves in next season.
