Aston Villa target Manchester City goalkeeper as replacement for Emiliano Martinez

Lewis Henderson
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:36:06 +0000

Aston Villa have identified Manchester City's James Trafford as a possible successor to Emiliano Martinez should the Argentine shot-stopper opt to depart this summer.

The 33-year-old's relationship with the Midlands club has been strained since last year, when his wish to secure a transfer away from Villa Park went unfulfilled.

Martinez had hoped to secure a move to Manchester United, Chelsea or Atletico Madrid during the previous window.

The goalkeeper even brought in high-profile representative Jorge Mendes to engineer an exit, but no deal came to fruition.

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His future at Villa now appears increasingly uncertain heading into the summer.

Trafford's own position at the Etihad Stadium remains uncertain.

The 23-year-old returned to City last summer in a deal worth an initial £27million from Burnley, having left the club two years earlier.

However, the England international was caught off guard when Pep Guardiola subsequently recruited Gianluigi Donnarumma as his preferred option between the posts, when the Italian wanted out of PSG.

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This campaign has seen Trafford feature just 14 times for City, with only three of those outings coming in league competition.

He did play a part in City's Carabao Cup triumph over Arsenal last month and subsequently earned his maiden senior England cap in a 1-1 draw with Uruguay.

The young goalkeeper's prospects of securing a summer move appear closely tied to Guardiola's own future at the club.

Should the Spaniard remain in charge, Trafford is considered more likely to seek a departure.

While the 27-year-old Italian is regarded as an exceptional shot-stopper, Trafford is considered more adept with the ball at his feet.

Villa are not alone in their pursuit of the keeper.

Newcastle United have maintained their interest in Trafford since missing out on his signature to City last summer, whilst Tottenham Hotspur have also been monitoring his situation, reports The Times.

Beyond the goalkeeping position, Villa continue to track Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush and Fulham winger Harry Wilson, having pursued both players during the January window.

The Egyptian striker, who arrived at City for £59m from Eintracht Frankfurt, has only started seven Premier League games this season.

Villa had attempted to bring him in on loan before ultimately signing Tammy Abraham.

Wilson, meanwhile, is experiencing his finest Premier League campaign and will be available on a free transfer when his Fulham contract expires this summer.

Everton also expressed interest in the 29-year-old in January.