Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of a new goalkeeper in the upcoming transfer window is proving to be a complex affair, particularly regarding one of their key targets from Manchester City.
While Spurs have been actively assessing the market for reinforcements between the sticks, the prospect of securing City’s forgotten £27million man in January looks increasingly unlikely.
The North London club’s reported interest centers on a goalkeeper who has seen minimal action this season, managing only three Premier League appearances.
Although there has been some recent chatter concerning the long-term future of their current custodian, Guglielmo Vicario, sources suggest the club’s primary goal is not necessarily to replace the Italian immediately.
The player generating significant buzz as a potential target for Spurs is James Trafford, the Manchester City shot-stopper. Since the high-profile arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad Stadium, Trafford has found his opportunities severely limited. This lack of game time has naturally fueled speculation linking him with a move away.
However, despite Trafford’s reported desire for a change of scenery and regular minutes, journalist Pete O’Rourke suggests that Manchester City are highly reluctant to sanction the departure of their number two in the mid-season window.
When questioned about the future of the former Burnley goalkeeper, O’Rourke shared his insights with Football Insider, stating, “Yeah, I think obviously Trafford’s not happy at the minute because he’s playing second fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma.
I think it’s probably coming down to Trafford’s ambition to be in that England squad for the World Cup, but if he’s not playing, it’s going to be hard to be in Thomas Tuchel’s plans. That’s probably why speculation over his future has intensified in recent weeks.”
O’Rourke also confirmed the widespread interest in the young keeper, noting, “We know Newcastle are long-term admirers, Aston Villa has been mentioned as well, with the ongoing uncertainty around Emiliano Martinez’s future, Spurs have also been linked as well.”
The crucial sticking point remains City’s position. O’Rourke was emphatic about the champions’ stance: “But I just don’t see City letting him go in January, despite the player being unhappy and wanting to play.
City won’t want to weaken their squad in January and leave themselves short in that goalkeeping department.” The club’s desire to maintain depth, especially during the demanding second half of the season, trumps the player’s personal ambition for now.
Meanwhile, Tottenham may face a more pressing need for a new first-choice goalkeeper come the summer. Reports emerging from Italy suggest that Vicario’s representatives are already engaging in discussions with Inter Milan regarding a potential move to the San Siro.
It is claimed that the twenty-nine-year-old is keen on returning to his home country at the close of the current season, which could force Spurs into the market for a long-term number one sooner rather than later.
