Aston Villa have identified Manchester City’s James Trafford as a priority summer transfer target, with the club actively preparing for the possibility that Emiliano Martinez, 33-years-old, departs Villa Park at the end of this season. Martinez’s relationship with the club has been strained since last year, after his wish to secure a move away went unfulfilled. The Argentine even enlisted agent Jorge Mendes to try and engineer an exit to Manchester United, Chelsea, or Atletico Madrid, but no deal materialised. His future now looks uncertain heading into the summer window.
Trafford finds himself in an uncomfortable spot at City
Trafford made the £27 million move back to Manchester City last summer after an excellent Championship season with Burnley. He joined with the expectation that he would become City’s number one following Ederson’s departure. However, the late signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain pushed Trafford out of the starting XI, restricting him to cup appearances rather than the regular Premier League football he wanted.
Across just three Premier League outings this season, Trafford conceded four goals, kept one clean sheet, and posted a save percentage of 73.33%. He faced 15 shots and stopped 11, with his team conceding a goal every 68 minutes while he was in net. He did, however, lead City to a 2-0 Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal in March, reminding the market exactly what he can do. Manchester City reportedly want to keep him for the 2026-27 season, but they won’t stand in his way if he pushes to leave.
Why do Aston Villa need to act fast?
From Villa’s perspective, this move makes sense for more reasons than just replacing Martinez. At 23, Trafford is exactly the high-ceiling goalkeeper who works well in Unai Emery’s system. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet, proactive off his line, and has proven he can handle the Premier League despite limited minutes recently.
The competition for his signature is the main worry. Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Newcastle have all shown interest, meaning Aston Villa are in a crowded race rather than a simple negotiation. Manchester City have put a £35 million to £40 million price tag on Trafford, making it clear they won’t entertain low-ball offers. Villa need to act with real financial conviction; any hesitation could see them lose a top-tier goalkeeper to a direct rival and leave them scrambling for options in a thin market.
