Man City's New Star Exposes Shocking Reality Behind Squad Rejection
Manchester City keeper James Trafford has revealed he was unaware he would become a substitute when he signed with the club last summer.
Following a standout period at Burnley, Trafford rejected a move to Newcastle United when his childhood team City approached him as they searched for Ederson's successor. A £31 million ($42.3 million) transfer was completed on July 25, 2025, with Trafford starting the campaign as City's number one.
Fewer than three weeks afterward, Gianluigi Donnarumma became available after Paris Saint-Germain cast him aside. The Italian signed with City for £26 million on Sept. 1 and has thrived as the first-choice keeper since, leaving Trafford on the bench and accepting his role as Pep Guardiola's cup competition goalkeeper.
"I wasn't expecting this situation to unfold, but it did, so you just have to deal with it," the 23-year-old commented following his 11th appearance this season in Saturday's 2–0 victory against Salford.
Trafford confirmed he hadn't been guaranteed the starting position at City but hinted at a possible departure after watching his dream homecoming quickly become a difficult experience.
"[The plan] wasn't how things turned out," he explained. "That's just how it goes. It's football, that's life, you have to keep working hard every day and when opportunities come, give everything you have. It's another chapter in my career and yes, it's been a valuable learning experience."
Summer Departure Appearing Increasingly Likely for Trafford
Summer Departure Appearing Increasingly Likely for Trafford
"I'm uncertain about what the next season holds," Trafford pondered. "I only know that I'll approach it one day at a time and focus on getting better."
While Trafford maintained his professional demeanor when discussing his current circumstances, the truth is the young shot-stopper understands his career cannot remain on this path.
Following his excellent performances at Burnley, there were indications that Trafford might be considered for England's starting goalkeeper role at this summer's World Cup. Currently, his squad selection isn't even guaranteed, with his prospects of displacing Everton's Jordan Pickford virtually impossible.
Trafford is fully conscious of this predicament. He was reportedly willing to leave City in January seeking additional playing time, but Guardiola informed him he was essential as Donnarumma's backup. Instead, third-string keeper Stefan Ortega left the Etihad during the winter transfer period.
This departure desire will probably resurface in summer, when City should be more open to negotiations. They'll have sufficient time to secure a replacement before the 2026–27 campaign starts, while Trafford's market appeal should remain strong despite a season of limited action.
Newcastle might maintain their interest, though the Magpies must decide whether to exercise their purchase option for Aaron Ramsdale when his Southampton loan concludes. Aston Villa and West Ham United have also been mentioned as potential destinations.
Are Man City to Blame?
Are Man City to Blame?
Trafford confirmed he received no guarantees about being City's first-choice goalkeeper, clearing the Citizens of any contractual misconduct. There's a case that Trafford has simply experienced the ruthless reality of contemporary football.
When Trafford's move occurred, Donnarumma wasn't on the market. The Italian was still negotiating a contract extension with PSG and preferred staying in Paris, only to be placed on the transfer list later that summer.
City might have already acquired a new goalkeeper, but they were then offered the opportunity to sign a 26-year-old world-class player—possibly the finest in his position globally—for less money than they had spent on Trafford excluding salary considerations. Competing clubs were queuing up.
Acquiring Donnarumma quickly became an obvious decision. Following a disappointing season, City required a strong response this year and couldn't risk missing the chance to secure the Italian, particularly since he would have likely joined a direct competitor if City hadn't moved.
It's extremely unfortunate for Trafford, who obviously joined City believing he would be Guardiola's first choice. Ederson was departing and a £31 million fee demonstrated their faith in him, as did Trafford starting the season's opening three matches. City were evidently content to begin the campaign with the Englishman in goal, but then Donnarumma became available.
Claims of unfair treatment by City have merit, but club executives won't be troubled by such criticism. Their responsibility is constructing a squad capable of challenging for every European trophy and, with all due respect to Trafford, City are more formidable with Donnarumma in their lineup.
One hopes City will treat Trafford fairly at season's end. His need for more playing time is evident and nobody gains from his career deteriorating into frustration, though this must be weighed against financial considerations and the possibility of losing money on a player purchased for £31 million just one year prior.
Football can be exceptionally unforgiving and Trafford has learned this lesson harshly this season. Fortunately, he should still earn a place in England's World Cup squad—he has participated in every camp under Thomas Tuchel—and he has youth on his side to rebuild his career elsewhere.