On Tuesday afternoon, James Trafford was preparing to start for Manchester City in their Carabao Cup quarter-final against Brentford, having been publicly backed by Pep Guardiola as his goalkeeper for the tie. At the same time, Gianluigi Donnarumma was collecting yet another individual honour, being named Fifa’s Best Men’s Goalkeeper for 2025, just months after a similar accolade at the Ballon d’Or awards.
The contrast underlines the challenge Trafford faces. The 23-year-old began the season as City’s first-choice goalkeeper following his return to the club in the summer, but has since found himself relegated to a supporting role after the arrival of the Italy international from Paris St-Germain.
Trafford did, however, remind Guardiola of his qualities on Wednesday, keeping a clean sheet in City’s 2-0 win over Brentford to secure progression to the semi-finals, where Newcastle await. Despite that performance, a return to the bench is expected for Saturday’s Premier League fixture against West Ham.
“He is a goalkeeper, James cannot play left-back,” Guardiola said. “At the moment we have a keeper in Gigio playing in that position. He is a top keeper, there is no doubt about that. I am really pleased he can play two more games.
“He played in the Champions League and I am a guy who wants to give opportunities to everyone.”
Trafford rejoined City from Burnley in July on a five-year deal, returning to the club where he progressed through the academy but failed to make a senior appearance during his first spell. With Ederson departing for Fenerbahce and fitness issues affecting the Brazilian early in the campaign, Trafford featured in the opening three matches and would have felt confident of cementing his place.
That optimism was tested when City moved swiftly on deadline day to sign Donnarumma from PSG for a cut-price £26m, a deal Guardiola deemed too good to ignore. While Trafford’s representatives declined to comment on his future, reports suggest the goalkeeper is open to another move just five months after his return.
The Brentford match was only his seventh appearance of the season, limiting not only his club involvement but also his visibility to England head coach Thomas Tuchel as Trafford looks to secure a place in the squad for next year’s World Cup. A long-term ambition of challenging Everton’s Jordan Pickford for the England number-one shirt now appears remote, with Pickford enjoying a record nine consecutive clean sheets for the national side and Trafford yet to earn his senior debut.
“I feel sorry for Trafford,” former City goalkeeper Nicky Weaver told BBC Radio Manchester. “When we signed Donnarumma, everyone was excited – but I’m sure Trafford wasn’t.
“He probably thought he was coming in as number one. We don’t know exactly what he was told, but when a goalkeeper of Donnarumma’s quality becomes available at that age and for that fee, you have to take it.
“That’s the life of a goalkeeper. I’ve been number one, two and three. It’s incredibly tough and you don’t really see a pathway into the team for him.
“He has to stick it out. He can learn a lot from Donnarumma, but I’m sure he’d learn even more if he was playing every week.”
Guardiola has publicly praised Trafford, describing him as “incredible”, while reiterating that “unfortunately, Gigio is the first keeper”. From the player’s perspective, a loan move would offer regular football, but City are reluctant to lose a high-quality deputy and sources insist there is no plan to sanction a mid-season exit.
Asked whether Trafford would definitely remain at the club in January, Guardiola replied “absolutely”, although subsequent comments – including “we will see what happens” – left the door ajar. He also stressed that transfer matters are overseen by sporting director Hugo Viana.
Weaver believes Trafford’s long-term prospects at City remain uncertain. “I don’t see a clear pathway,” he said. “It’s not like Donnarumma is 37 and nearing the end of his contract – he’s in his prime.
“I don’t expect anything to happen mid-season, but Trafford will be desperate to go to the World Cup and, to do that, he needs to play.”
For now, Trafford’s opportunities are likely to come in the Carabao Cup, with City into the semi-finals and still chasing silverware. For a young goalkeeper in a highly competitive environment, it remains a chance to make an impression – and one he will be determined to seize.
