From Turkey: Agent of James Trafford travels to commence talks over Manchester City exit | OneFootball

The representative of Manchester City’s summer recruit between the posts James Trafford has reportedly travelled to commence transfer talks over a potential loan.

Having only just arrived at the club, Trafford’s future is already the subject of discussions as Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff continue to weigh up their long-term senior goalkeeping plans amid doubts over Ederson’s place in the side.

Trafford, who completed his switch to City from Burnley earlier this summer, was seen as an investment for the future and a potential long-term successor to Ederson from next summer.

However, with City continuing to hold talks over Gianluigi Donnarumma and the ongoing saga surrounding the aforementioned Brazilian’s potential move to Galatasaray, Trafford’s immediate role has been thrown into doubt.

James Trafford had been tipped to gain valuable minutes this season in domestic cup competitions and perhaps as a rotational option in the Premier League, but opportunities in Pep Guardiola’s team may not be as forthcoming as first anticipated.

The pathway to becoming a regular at the Etihad Stadium has never been straightforward for younger goalkeepers, with several talents before Trafford such as Gavin Bazunu needing to depart either on loan or permanently to further their careers.

Clubs across Europe, and particularly those competing in continental competitions, often look at Manchester City’s depth as a chance to recruit high-potential players eager to showcase their abilities.

Now, according to staggering claims from Turkish newspaper Politika – as translated and relayed by Sport Witness – Besiktas have made contact over the potential for a loan signing of Manchester City’s new No.1 James Trafford.

It is claimed that the England international’s agent has travelled to Istanbul to commence transfer talks with Besiktas president Serdal Adalı, and there is no indication that a purchase option is being negotiated in any temporary agreement.

The prospect of joining Besiktas would provide Trafford with a passionate footballing environment, alongside European competition, and could accelerate his progress while also allowing Manchester City to monitor his performances at a high level.

What remains to be seen is whether City will allow Trafford to leave so soon after his arrival. Guardiola and his staff are expected to want to keep him around the first-team environment to adapt to the club’s style, especially if uncertainty continues around Ederson and Stefan Ortega.

Should Ederson secure a move away to Galatasaray, for instance, Manchester City would more than likely opt to keep Trafford as part of their goalkeeping core instead of sanctioning an exit, even in the event of a deal for Gianluigi Donnarumma.

For now, talk in Istanbul is likely to continue as Turkish media latch on to the developments continuing to develop within Manchester City’s goalkeeping department.