“I’m 100 times better” – James Trafford tells Manchester City fans what to expect from him | OneFootball

Manchester City fans can expect a very different and far more polished James Trafford to the teenager that left the club in 2023, the 22-year-old has insisted this week.

Now officially back at the Etihad Stadium following a £31 million return from Burnley, Trafford arrives with both experience and expectations at a very different stage in his senior, top-level playing career.

Manchester City’s decision to re-sign the Englishman signals a clear shift toward long-term planning in their goalkeeping department, with Trafford now firmly considered the heir to Ederson’s position between the posts.

During his time away from the Etihad Stadium, Trafford not only became a senior Premier League goalkeeper under pressure at Burnley, but also a European Championship winner with England’s Under-21s. He has experienced the full spectrum of top-level football, from promotion pushes and play-off battles with Bolton Wanderers, to a Premier League relegation campaign at Turf Moor, all of which have shaped the player now walking back through the doors at the City Football Academy training centre.

In terms of squad dynamics, James Trafford’s arrival has already triggered internal changes, with Stefan Ortega now expected to leave the club and attracting interest from both Premier League and Bundesliga sides in the process.

The German has served the club well over three seasons, but Trafford’s return suggests Manchester City are now looking toward the future, and while Ederson is expected to remain as Pep Guardiola’s No.1 between the posts for the 2025/26 campaign, the Brazilian’s potential departure next summer could see Trafford handed the gloves permanently.

Speaking in his first interview since re-joining Manchester City in a big-money move this summer, James Trafford was asked just how much he had changed since leaving the Etihad Stadium for Burnley in 2023.

“I’m a lot older and miles more experienced. I’m 100 times better and I’ve improved in every aspect as a person and as a player,” Trafford said.

On the subject of his playing style, the Manchester City Academy graduate explained, “As a goalie, I’m aggressive – I just want to win and to ty to do everything I can to win, whether it’s making saves, whether it’s anything. I just want to win.”

And discussing the range of experiences he has had away from City on loan spells or at Burnley, James Trafford insisted, “It’s helped me, but throughout my time away from the Club I’ve had all different experiences.

“I’ve had the relegation with Burnley, I had the promotion. I had the one at Bolton where we were trying to get in the play-offs. I’ve had all the experiences and nothing will be a surprise to me.”

James Trafford’s words will likely be welcomed by fans eager to see a homegrown product thrive in Pep Guardiola’s system, particularly one returning with a sense of unfinished business.

With Stefan Ortega’s exit expected in the coming weeks and Ederson entering his ninth and potentially final season at the club, Trafford has a clear pathway to becoming Manchester City’s next first-choice goalkeeper.

Looking ahead, the Carlisle-born goalkeeper could be in line to feature in Manchester City’s domestic cup outings or even in early UEFA Champions League games, depending on the fixture list and Pep Guardiola’s rotation policy. Should his development continue on its current trajectory, the 2025/26 season could be just the start of a long and successful stay.