Ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer Links Manchester City Shot-Stopper to the Blues

Could James Trafford Depart the Etihad After Just Six Months?

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer reckons James Trafford Could Leave Manchester City in January.

The 23-year-old re-joined the Citizens back in July after leaving them for Burnley in 2023.

Pep Guardiola promised Trafford a starting spot when he signed in the summer, and that seemed to be the case, after he started the first three matches of the season.

However, the signing of superstar Italian Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain in September saw him relegated back to the number two spot.

Since then, he has played only three times - twice in the EFL Cup and once in the Champions League - and has left the Englishman feeling betrayed.

🚨 𝗕𝗢𝗧𝗛 of Manchester City's back-up goalkeepers want to leave the club.

James Trafford is looking to leave in January after falling down the pecking order following the arrival of Italy No.1 Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Stefan Ortega might also be searching for a new challenge.… pic.twitter.com/BSYBVhH4dW

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 2, 2025

Schwarzer Adds Fuel to Rumours

The retired Australian has now weighed in on the speculation:

"James Trafford for Chelsea? You can’t write anything off. I think he needs to find a club, even if it’s on loan, between now and the end of the season where he’s going to play week in, week out and prove what a good goalkeeper he is."

‘I think the thing for Trafford is, I’ve met him once or twice, but if I were going to give him advice between now and the end of the season with a World Cup around the corner, wherever he goes, he has to make sure he’s playing.

Ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Schwarzer:

🗣️ "James Trafford for Chelsea? You can’t write anything off. I think he needs to find a club, even if it’s on loan, between now and the end of the season where he’s going to play week in, week out and prove what a good goalkeeper he is."

{Joe… pic.twitter.com/dQ766tS4uN

— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) December 12, 2025

Despite Chelsea's starting shot-stopper, Robert Sanchez, having improved drastically this season compared to last season - he has a goals conceded rate of 0.9 now rather than 1.1 - there are still doubts over his ability.

Schwarzer said of Sanchez:

‘When you’re at a big club, you need consistency. Look at Manchester United and Andre Onana, Man City and Gianluigi Donnarumma coming in and what he’s done already.

‘I will say for Robert Sanchez, I think in the last six months, has improved dramatically. He hasn’t made as many mistakes as he had done previously.

‘I think for a club that are going to win things, I know they won the Conference League last season, not that Robert Sanchez played in those competitions, and they won the Club World Cup, but I think consistently, if you’re in the Champions League, you want to win the Premier League, you’re going to have to have a top, top-class goalkeeper.’

Whether or not Trafford is that top, top keeper to come in and help the Blues push for a goalkeeper is open for debate - Chelsea are also believed to be in for Mike Maignan - he will have suitors elsewhere.

One source has said that the Citizens are willing to offer the 23-year-old to Newcastle United in a swap deal for Tino Livramento.

Is Trafford Still in Tuchel's Plans?

The Englishman has still been picked in all of the last three England squads since being dropped as City's number one, however he hasn't played a single minute in either camp.

England manager Thomas Tuchel previously said that only players playing will be picked and that reputation means nothing to him, which has been seen with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham previously being dropped.

With only three from a list of Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Dean Henderson, Aaron Ramsdale and Trafford to pick from, it will be vital that he either moves away for regular minutes, or impresses in every odd opportunity he does get picked by Guardiola.