Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is bracing for two potential departures in January, with goalkeepers James Trafford and Stefan Ortega reportedly keen to move on. The summer arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain for £27 million has left both players sidelined, according to reports.
Trafford, 23, started City's first three Premier League games but has been an unused substitute for the last ten, with Donnarumma taking over as first-choice goalkeeper. He has also featured in the Carabao Cup and one Champions League match. Ortega, meanwhile, has not made a matchday squad since the opening weekend of the season, with new arrival Marcus Bettinelli installed as third choice.
Trafford is reportedly keen to move to boost his chances of making England's World Cup squad. Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel has indicated that regular club football is essential for selection, having previously left out Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly due to a lack of minutes. Ortega finds himself even further down the pecking order and is also seeking a way out.
City spent over £180 million in the summer but recouped £100 million from sales including Ederson, who joined Fenerbahce. The club was active in the January 2025 window, bringing in Nico Gonzalez, Vitor Reis, Abdukodir Khusanov, and Omar Marmoush as they pushed for a top-four finish, eventually securing third place.
