Could Manchester City bring another keeper ‘home’ if James Trafford departs?
Could Manchester City bring another keeper ‘home’ if James Trafford departs? At this stage of proceedings, it would be a major surprise if James Trafford remained at Manchester City after this summer’s transfer window. Simon Bajkowski has reported for the Manchester Evening News that it is highly likely that Trafford will leave City to find a club where he can be the number-one goalkeeper.
If that likely scenario comes to fruition, Manchester City will be in the market for a backup keeper. There are two paths for City to take to find a backup for Gianluigi Donnarumma. They could sign an experienced goalkeeper in a similar mold to Stefan Ortega.
Alternatively, City could look to sign a young goalkeeper who can be Manchester City’s cup goalkeeper, learning and developing their craft as Gianluigi Donnarumma’s understudy. City have now been linked with Sheffield Wednesday’s impressive 20-year-old goalkeeper, Pierce Charles. Charles ticks the box as a young goalkeeper who could play a role as Gianluigi Donnarumma’s backup.
Also, Charles has previously been involved in the City setup as he was briefly in Manchester City’s academy system before moving to Sheffield Wednesday. Manchester City have reportedly joined the race to sign Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday. Graeme Bailey has reported for TeamTalk that Manchester City are exploring a move to sign young goalkeeper Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday this summer.
Bailey also reports that a host of clubs are also interested in signing Pierce Charles this summer. Newcastle United, Tottenham, Leeds, Coventry City and Chelsea are named as potential competition for City if they pursue a move for the Northern Ireland international. Graeme Bailey also reports that City have conducted background checks on Pierce Charles.