“SHOCKER: Leicester City Poised to Snag Man City’s BIGGEST Star in Stunning Heist!”

After a superb Championship campaign with Burnley that culminated in promotion, Manchester City academy product James Trafford returned to the Etihad and was handed the number one shirt following his £27 million switch.

Initially, Trafford was expected to compete with Ederson for the starting role, but circumstances shifted when Pep Guardiola sanctioned a move for Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain—a chance simply too valuable to pass up.

According to reports from TeamTalk, both Leicester City and Southampton are exploring a loan deal for Trafford in the January transfer window.

The 21-year-old is thought to be open to a temporary exit from the Etihad as he seeks consistent minutes in order to strengthen his claim for a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman, speaking to Football League World, described Trafford as a potential “big coup” for Leicester as they aim for an immediate Premier League return.

Don Goodman on Trafford-Leicester links

“From James’ perspective, coming off the back of a record-breaking Championship season with Burnley, you want to be playing regular football,” Goodman said when asked if landing Trafford would be a major statement signing for the Foxes.

Trafford did feature in City’s opening three Premier League matches, but Donnarumma has since made the number one spot his own.

Goodman stressed that this was always the risk of joining a top-level club, where competition for places can be unforgiving.

Leicester’s need for a new goalkeeper is not as pressing as Southampton’s, with Jakub Stolarczyk impressing after stepping into the role vacated by Mads Hermansen in the summer.

Goodman acknowledged this, noting: “For Leicester, it’s not obvious they require him, given Stolarczyk’s start.

But if they managed to land Trafford, it would be a big coup. Of course, if you’re Stolarczyk, that would be frustrating.”

A move echoing Donnarumma’s arrival

If Trafford were to join Leicester in January, it would reflect his own situation at City. Just as Donnarumma displaced him after a strong start, Trafford could find himself usurping Stolarczyk despite the Pole’s steady performances.

During his brief stint as City’s starter, Trafford showed glimpses of his potential—aside from a small error against Tottenham, he was beginning to establish himself as a reliable option for Guardiola.

Still, when the chance to secure one of the world’s top goalkeepers arose, City unsurprisingly opted for Donnarumma, who has already impressed.

At Burnley last season, Trafford was the backbone of their promotion-winning campaign.

He kept 29 clean sheets, achieved an 84.6% save percentage, and prevented almost 13 more goals than expected—figures that underline why he is so highly rated.

For any Championship club, acquiring such a talent on loan would be irresistible.

Ultimately, a temporary switch would suit all parties. Trafford would gain the regular football he needs to boost his World Cup hopes, while a club like Leicester would strengthen their push for promotion.

Although it may disappoint Stolarczyk, goalkeepers with Trafford’s pedigree rarely become available—and when they do, they are almost impossible to ignore.