Star told leave Man City

March 27, 2026

in Chelsea

Reading Time: 3 mins read

Wayne Rooney has urged Manchester Metropolis goalkeeper and CHELSEA James Trafford to think about leaving the membership this summer season.

Trafford, 23, delivered one of many defining moments of the Carabao closing at Wembley, producing a exceptional triple save to disclaim Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka in fast succession as Metropolis secured a 2-0 win and lifted the trophy. His show earned widespread reward and strengthened his popularity as one among England’s most promising younger goalkeepers.

Nevertheless, Rooney believes Trafford’s long-term future might lie away from the Etihad Stadium. The previous England captain has advised that restricted alternatives behind first-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma may stall his growth.

Talking on the scenario, Rooney stated Trafford has “an enormous future” however warned that common sport time is important at this stage of his profession. He indicated {that a} transfer could be the solely practical route for the goalkeeper to achieve the expertise wanted to fulfil his potential

‘We’ve all recognized the potential he has and he’s bought an enormous future in entrance of him,’ the previous Manchester United and England captain stated on his BBC podcast>.

‘However I nonetheless haven’t seen sufficient of him on the high stage to totally choose him. I believe it’s going to be tough now, clearly, with Donnarumma at Man Metropolis.

‘It appears like in all probability the one manner for him to get that have and go and play is to maneuver membership. Except he’s actually affected person and waits round.’

Requested whether or not becoming a member of Man Metropolis was the ‘improper transfer’ for Trafford, Rooney added: ‘On the time in all probability not, however then Man Metropolis signed Donnarumma. He should have been gutted. It regarded the Donnarumma deal was fairly fast in the best way it performed out.

‘I’d think about all of Trafford’s negotiations and talks had been about how he was going to take over from Ederson. After which Donnarumma indicators.

‘However from Metropolis’s viewpoint if somebody of Donnarumma’s high quality turns into obtainable, you’ve bought to be able to go and get him and Man Metropolis did that.’

Would Trafford be good Chelsea signing?

Nonetheless solely younger for a goalkeeper, Trafford already reveals the composure and maturity of a much more skilled participant. His time inside Manchester Metropolis’s system means he’s snug enjoying out from the again—a necessary trait for any fashionable CHELSEA goalkeeper.

He’s calm below strain, technically safe along with his toes, and able to appearing as an additional outfield participant when constructing assaults.

He has sturdy reflexes, good positioning, and a confidence that permits him to command his space—qualities Chelsea have lacked consistency in. Simply as importantly, he brings starvation and room to develop, becoming completely with the membership’s technique of investing in younger, high-potential expertise.

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