James Trafford issues verdict on Ederson as Manchester City goalkeeping battle begins | OneFootball

Manchester City’s newest recruit and latest addition to the goalkeeping department James Trafford has spoken extremely highly of his new colleague, Ederson.

As City usher in a new season with a reshaped goalkeeping department, James Trafford’s homecoming has sparked fresh anticipation over how Pep Guardiola will manage his goalkeeper hierarchy.

The 22-year-old Englishman, fresh from a permanent switch back to the Etihad Stadium this week, is not only expected to provide crucial depth but could also mount a serious challenge for the starting role depending on how the season unfolds.

Trafford’s return comes amid uncertainty surrounding Ederson’s longer-term future, with Galatasaray showing strong interest in the Brazilian and while City have resisted any firm movement away from their trusted No.31, contingency planning has been evident.

The club’s decision to hand James Trafford the iconic No.1 shirt further underlines the regard in which he is held internally, a jersey not worn since Claudio Bravo’s spell ended at the Etihad Stadium in 2020 and a number associated with legends like Joe Hart and Bert Trautmann.

For James Trafford, who rose through Manchester City’s academy before departing for more senior minutes through loans and then a permanent exit to Burnley, this symbolic choice marks a fresh chapter full of ambition and opportunity.

Speaking to Manchester City’s official club website this week upon arriving at the Etihad Stadium, Trafford could not help but pile on the praise for the organisation as well as one individual name he knows well.

“They’re obviously one of the best teams in the world. The most successful team over the last 10 years and yeah it’s something I’m really excited for,” Trafford insisted. “I’m excited to see everyone again, I saw [James] McAtee on Friday. I’m excited and just can’t wait to get to work with all the lads and just improve myself.”

Trafford is expected to compete with Ederson for the number one spot in Pep Guardiola’s goal this season, and on the subject of the Brazilian, the 22-year-old said, “Obviously when he first joined he’s extremely talented, he’s one of a kind with the ball at his feet, he’s someone I looked up to a lot when I first trained with him when I was 17.

“And I just tried to take small bits of his game and try and put them into my game and improve. I’m excited to work with all the goalkeepers and just push each other and improve.”

But what does James Trafford want to achieve now he is back at Manchester City? “I don’t really think too far ahead,” he stressed. “I just want every day to work as hard as I can and improve and see where it takes me.”

With Stefan Ortega’s future still up in the air and the German expected to move on this summer, Trafford’s arrival ensures Manchester City are well-protected no matter how the goalkeeping landscape shifts in the weeks, months and years to come.

The 22-year-old’s grounded mentality and clear hunger to improve could endear him quickly to Pep Guardiola and his staff, particularly as fixture congestion demands rotation across multiple competitions.

Looking further ahead, should Ederson depart in 2026 when his contract expires – or even sooner if an irresistible offer arrives – Manchester City may already be laying the groundwork for James Trafford to take over.

The club’s long-standing policy of moulding talent from within has paid dividends before, and Trafford’s journey from academy graduate to No.1 shirt holder is testament to that strategy. All eyes will now be on how Trafford performs during pre-season and early domestic fixtures, and his steady rise and clear confidence suggests the race for the gloves is only just beginning.