Tottenham Hotspur’s alarming slump continued on Sunday with a humbling 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, leaving them languishing in 11th place. With just one victory in their last five Premier League outings, the pressure is mounting on manager Thomas Frank—though their respectable Champions League form has bought him precious time.

Now, according to Football Insider, Spurs are plotting a January move that could reshape their entire season: a swoop for Manchester City’s James Trafford.

Why Trafford Makes Perfect Sense for Tottenham

Guglielmo Vicario’s inconsistent performances have become a genuine concern in North London. The Italian shot-stopper, once seen as a shrewd acquisition, has looked increasingly vulnerable this campaign. With backup Antonin Kinsky frozen out of Frank’s plans, Tottenham desperately need a dependable presence between the sticks.

Enter James Trafford. The 23-year-old England international was Burnley’s standout performer during their Championship-winning campaign, showcasing the exact qualities Spurs crave: exceptional reflexes, commanding presence at set-pieces, and confident ball-playing ability that suits modern football.

City snapped him up for £31 million last summer, but Gianluigi Donnarumma’s subsequent arrival from Paris Saint-Germain has left Trafford starved of opportunities at the Etihad.

The Transfer Complications Spurs Must Navigate

This won’t be straightforward. Manchester City have zero incentive to strengthen a domestic rival, particularly when Donnarumma’s injury history means they’d be left dangerously exposed without adequate cover.

Furthermore, having invested £31 million just months ago and secured Trafford on a five-year contract, Pep Guardiola’s side will demand significant profit—despite Transfermarkt valuing him at just £22 million.

The player’s ambitions matter too. Would Trafford swap the Premier League champions for a club potentially missing out on Champions League football? That’s the question that could ultimately decide whether this transfer materialises.