“It’s a shame” – Premier League manager issues verdict on James Trafford’s Manchester City transfer | OneFootball

One Premier League manager believes “it’s a shame” regarding James Trafford’s return to Manchester City and ongoing place as Pep Guardiola’s second-choice goalkeeper.

Trafford rejoined City during the most recent summer transfer window following a spell at Burnley, but the 22-year-old England international has endured a mixed start to life back under Pep Guardiola.

Having begun the season in the starting XI, featuring in Manchester City’s opening three Premier League fixtures against Wolves, Tottenham, and Brighton, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s high-profile deadline day arrival forced him into a supporting role.

The change came after Ederson’s exit to Turkish side Fenerbahce, which initially opened the door for Trafford to stake a claim as Pep Guardiola’s new No.1. However, Donnarumma’s immediate integration into the starting line-up for matches against Manchester United, Napoli, and Arsenal has since relegated the Cumbrian-born goalkeeper to second choice.

Despite that setback, Trafford remains regarded inside the club as a long-term prospect, with officials keen to ensure his development is carefully managed, although transfer speculation has not been far away either.

Speaking ahead of Burnley’s clash to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this weekend, Clarets boss Scott Parker admitted his belief that ‘it is a shame’ James Trafford has resorted to become No.2 under Pep Guardiola following Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival.

“It’s a shame I suppose, but he’s at an absolutely massive football club where the competition is absolutely huge,” Parker told reporters this week.

The Burnley boss continued, “All I say about James Trafford is that I can’t wait to see him again.

“He’s an incredible goalie, with what he did for us last year and he was brilliant to be around and brilliant for me to coach, so I’m looking forward to seeing him.”

Looking ahead, James Trafford’s situation could hinge on Pep Guardiola’s willingness to use him in cup competitions, or whether Manchester City sanction a loan move to ensure he continues playing at the highest level.

A mid-season switch could give him the chance to showcase the qualities that made him a standout at Turf Moor last season and maintain his trajectory as one of England’s most promising goalkeepers.

With the January window just months away, Trafford will need to balance patience with ambition and should the right opportunity arise, a temporary move could prove decisive in strengthening both his international prospects and long-term place in City’s plans.