Tottenham Hotspur have been firmly told to look elsewhere in their search for a new goalkeeper, with Pep Guardiola making it clear that James Trafford will not be leaving Manchester City in January.
The City manager has taken a strong stance amid growing speculation linking the young shot-stopper with a move to North London, insisting there is no chance of a mid-season exit.
Rumours around Trafford’s future have gathered pace over the past few weeks, largely because of Tottenham’s ongoing struggles between the posts. Spurs have endured an uncomfortable season so far, and confidence in their current number one, Guglielmo Vicario, has begun to fade.
A series of visible errors has cost the team valuable points, leading to talk that Thomas Frank could be forced into action during the winter transfer window.
Trafford’s name quickly emerged as a possible solution. At just 23, he is already highly rated, composed on the ball, and comfortable playing in possession-heavy systems.
Those qualities naturally made him an attractive option for Tottenham, especially given Frank’s preference for calm build-up play from the back. Yet any hope Spurs fans may have had has now been firmly shut down.
Guardiola, speaking ahead of Manchester City’s League Cup quarter-final against Brentford, left no room for doubt. Trafford, who is expected to start that match, remains very much part of City’s plans.
The City boss was direct, stressing that the goalkeeper will stay at the Etihad for the remainder of the season and beyond the January window. In Guardiola’s words, Trafford is an “incredible keeper” who simply finds himself in a difficult position due to competition.
That competition, of course, comes from Gianluigi Donnarumma, who currently holds the number one spot at City. Guardiola acknowledged how challenging the goalkeeping role can be, pointing out that chances can be limited and opportunities can change quickly.
One game, one moment, or one injury can completely alter the picture. For that reason, City have no intention of weakening their squad by letting Trafford leave halfway through the campaign.
From Tottenham’s perspective, the news is another reminder of how limited the January market can be, especially for specialist positions like goalkeeper. Clubs are reluctant to sell, prices rise quickly, and options become scarce.
While Trafford may have fit the profile Spurs are looking for, City’s refusal means Frank and the recruitment team will need to consider alternative paths.
The situation only adds to the pressure surrounding Vicario. Since joining Tottenham from Empoli in 2023, the Italian goalkeeper has experienced both highs and lows. In his first season, he impressed many with his reflexes, bravery, and vocal presence.
He was particularly important during Spurs’ Europa League run, where his saves and leadership played a key role in their success on the continental stage.
This season, however, the story has changed. Vicario’s confidence appears shaken, and mistakes that were once rare have become more frequent.
Poor decisions with the ball, mistimed passes, and lapses in concentration have all crept into his game. At Premier League level, such errors are punished instantly, and Spurs have felt the consequences.
Supporters have grown restless, and scrutiny has intensified with every costly moment. While Vicario still has the ability to recover his form, patience is thinning, especially as Tottenham hover in mid-table and struggle to build momentum. It is in that context that links to goalkeepers like Trafford have emerged.
Adding fuel to the speculation, respected Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe has suggested that the club are actively monitoring the goalkeeper market.
That does not necessarily mean an immediate signing is planned, but it does indicate concern behind the scenes. Frank will be fully aware that stability at the back is vital if Spurs are to climb the table and restore belief.
For now, though, any move for Trafford is off the table. Guardiola’s message was not just aimed at Tottenham, but at any club hoping to test City’s resolve. Trafford is staying, learning, and waiting for his opportunity in Manchester.
That leaves Spurs with a decision to make. They can continue to back Vicario and hope he regains confidence, or they can explore other options, either in January or later in the year.
What is clear is that Trafford will not be part of that solution anytime soon. For Tottenham, the search goes on, and the pressure to get it right continues to grow with every passing game.
