High Hopes After a £30m Homecoming
When James Trafford rejoined Manchester City in June for around £30 million, the plan seemed clear: compete for — and potentially secure — the number-one shirt.
He began the season exactly as he would have hoped, starting in City’s first three Premier League matches. After an impressive campaign with Burnley, where he played 45 games and conceded just 16 goals in the Championship as the club earned promotion, Trafford returned to City determined to prove himself.
Having left in 2023 in search of regular football, the 23-year-old believed the timing was finally right to establish himself at his boyhood club.
Donnarumma Changes the Picture
Then came a late twist. On transfer deadline day, City moved swiftly to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma after he became available from Paris Saint-Germain. The Italian, widely regarded as one of the world’s top goalkeepers and a Champions League winner, immediately reshaped the depth chart.
Since arriving, Donnarumma has featured in 30 matches, taking firm control of the starting role. Trafford, meanwhile, has largely been limited to domestic cup competitions, along with a single Champions League appearance.
Adjusting to a New Reality
After keeping a clean sheet in City’s FA Cup fourth-round victory over Salford City, Trafford admitted the season hasn’t unfolded as he imagined.
“It wasn’t what I expected coming into the season,” he said. “It’s the reality and I have to give it my best shot. It’s the situation I’m in. We train every day but making saves, it’s good fun.”
While the competition is fierce — and Donnarumma is only 26 — Trafford’s challenge now is patience. His return was meant to settle unfinished business. Instead, it has become a test of resilience as he waits for the next opportunity to make his mark.
