Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has addressed the future of goalkeeper James Trafford amidst speculation regarding a potential January transfer. Despite limited playing time, Guardiola has confirmed that Trafford will remain at the club during the January window.

Trafford, 23, rejoined Manchester City in the summer for a reported £27 million after two successful seasons with Burnley. He initially started as the first-choice goalkeeper for the Citizens, even playing in the opening three Premier League games of the season. This opportunity arose after Ederson's move to Fenerbahce. However, the subsequent arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain shifted the pecking order, with Donnarumma quickly becoming the preferred choice in goal.

This change in circumstances has led to concerns about Trafford's playing time and its potential impact on his international career. England head coach Thomas Tuchel reportedly wants players to have regular game time at the club level to be considered for the national squad, putting Trafford's 2026 World Cup hopes in jeopardy. It has been suggested that Trafford is ready to leave in January to secure regular first-team football.

Guardiola acknowledged Trafford's "special situation," recognizing the challenges of being a goalkeeper where only one can play at a time. Despite the competition, Guardiola has expressed confidence in Trafford's abilities, even suggesting that he has the potential to become England's number one goalkeeper in the future. "We have an incredible keeper. For England, sooner or later, he will be the one," Guardiola stated.

To demonstrate his faith in Trafford, Guardiola confirmed that Trafford would start in the Carabao Cup match against Brentford. He also indicated that other players who haven't had many recent opportunities would also feature in that game, including some from the academy. Trafford kept a clean sheet in that match. Guardiola said he wants to give opportunities to everyone.

While Trafford's long-term future at Manchester City remains uncertain, Guardiola's recent statements suggest that he values the young goalkeeper and intends to provide him with opportunities. The situation will continue to be monitored as the season progresses, with Trafford potentially needing to seek a move elsewhere to fulfill his ambitions of regular first-team football and a prominent role in the England national team.