Trafford Reflects on “Harrowing” Season at Man City Amid Donnarumma Move
James Trafford describes last season at Manchester City as “horrendous” before he transferred to Leeds United.
Man City re-signed academy graduate Trafford in July 2025, two years after his previous stint at the club to join Championship side Burnley.
His arrival on the first team was quickly eclipsed by Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma, who had just captured the UEFA Champions League with Paris St-Germain.
The 27‑year‑old goalkeeper helped his new club secure the Champions League title just weeks earlier, and immediately became Man City’s first‑choice starter, leaving Trafford without consistent playing time.
Within the first three matches of the campaign, 24‑year‑old Trafford managed only a single Premier League appearance in the 35 games that followed Donnarumma’s entry.
In an interview on Football Daily’s The Football Interview, Trafford reflected on the difficulties of competing on Pep Guardiola’s squad at the back of the line.
“What a horrendous, horrendous feeling. Not playing,” said Trafford.
“You tend to call a lot of people and just vent. Like most people, you have a [bad] day at work and you ring someone up.”
“I call my dad, my mum, my missus, and my mates. It’s very funny to speak to my friends about it all.”
Despite his limited on‑pitch involvement, Trafford credits his final season at City with valuable growth, helping the club win the League Cup and FA Cup after both finals began at Wembley.
“Going into any season, I always have the highest of hopes and confidence that everything will unfold well,” he added.
“Unfortunately, not all the trophies were won. It wasn’t the way I had anticipated, but that is the nature of football.”
“In the moment I tried to make the best of it as I could. Looking back, I don’t think it was a disappointing season overall, because I learned so much, improved significantly, and lifted two trophies in a single year.”
“There were occasions when I felt down, regretting decisions and feeling let down, yet looking back I am deeply appreciative of the experience. What an incredible year.”
