Manchester City Transfer Updates: January Plans and James Trafford Exit

Manchester City’s recruitment team is reportedly reconsidering their approach to the January transfer window as Pep Guardiola’s squad edges closer to the top of the Premier League. Club officials are weighing the benefits of targeted reinforcements to maintain momentum and compete with leaders Arsenal.

Following a major summer revamp orchestrated by director of football Hugo Viana, which saw the departures of Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Kyle Walker, and Ederson, Manchester City have introduced seven new players into the first-team squad. While the Blues have been competitive, concerns remain over squad depth, defensive solidity, and an over-reliance on Erling Haaland for goals.

Potential January Reinforcements

According to reports, Manchester City are considering additions in attack and midfield. Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, available for £65 million, has been highlighted as a key attacking target amid interest from across Europe. Midfield options such as Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, and Atalanta’s Ederson are also being monitored to reduce the workload on Nico Gonzalez and Rodri.

Any recruitment in January would aim to complement Guardiola’s current squad rather than overhaul it, with the club prioritizing long-term squad balance alongside immediate title ambitions.

James Trafford’s Potential Exit

Manchester City’s second-choice goalkeeper James Trafford could be on the move, with AC Milan reportedly lining up an offer for the 23-year-old. Trafford, who returned to City from Burnley in July 2025, has struggled for minutes following the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma, who quickly established himself as the club’s first-choice shot-stopper.

Trafford has only featured sporadically, most recently playing in a 2-0 UEFA Champions League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen. With Donnarumma dominating Premier League starts, Trafford’s future at the Etihad is becoming increasingly uncertain.

AC Milan are seeking a long-term replacement for Mike Maignan, whose contract expires in summer 2026. Trafford’s potential move would make him Milan’s first-choice goalkeeper and a key figure in a title-challenging squad led by Massimiliano Allegri. Manchester City would consider a January exit for Trafford only if an offer meets the £27 million fee paid to bring him back from Burnley.

FAQs

• Will Manchester City sign players in January?
Yes, City are considering targeted reinforcements, particularly in attack and midfield, to support their title ambitions.

• Who are the potential transfer targets?
Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is a leading attacking option, while Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, and Ederson are midfield possibilities.

• Is James Trafford leaving Manchester City?
An exit is increasingly likely, with AC Milan reportedly interested. The move would depend on City receiving a suitable offer.

• Why is Trafford out of favor at City?
Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival established him as the first-choice goalkeeper, limiting Trafford’s playing opportunities.

• How will January signings affect City?
Reinforcements would help reduce the burden on key players like Haaland and Nico Gonzalez while maintaining squad depth during a crucial stage of the season.

Conclusion

Manchester City are balancing the need for immediate reinforcements with long-term squad planning. The January window could see key additions in attack and midfield, while James Trafford’s potential departure to AC Milan may provide him with the playing time he seeks. Guardiola and Viana’s decisions in the coming weeks will be pivotal in shaping the team’s title challenge and ensuring squad stability throughout the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign.