Enzo Maresca on James Trafford’s Leeds move and possible midweek debut | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca says Manchester City were content to keep James Trafford, but the goalkeeper’s push for regular minutes prompted his Leeds United move.

Leeds confirmed a club-record £40million plus add-ons deal on Thursday, with the 23-year-old signing a five-year contract. He is due to link up on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against Manchester United at Croke Park in Dublin.

Trafford returned to City last summer believing he would become former manager Pep Guardiola’s first-choice, but the late arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma left him as back-up, limited to 17 appearances across all competitions.

“There are players that unfortunately, like James last year, didn’t play a lot. At the end [of the day] they work every day to get minutes and to play games. When they don’t play it’s normal that they are sad and want to play more games and that was probably the case with James. The club was happy with him, everyone was happy with him, but at the end he was probably looking for more games.”

He was speaking to the Manchester Evening News.

“The answer has to be similar to the one I answer about James Trafford. Players work every day, they want to play so when they don't play they are not happy. Omar did not play a lot last year so his desire is probably to play more minutes. It doesn't mean that he isn't going to play more minutes here but it's also his decision, and he needs to decide.”

Trafford did not feature in Saturday’s 2-0 pre-season win over RB Leipzig at Elland Road. He could make his debut on Wednesday against Manchester United in Dublin.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk

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