James Trafford reveals ambitious 10-year plan involving Manchester City and England | OneFootball

Manchester City and England will no doubt by buoyed by an ambitious plan that has surfaced from James Trafford himself, speaking during recent media commitments.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper is back at the Etihad Stadium following a high-profile move from Burnley this summer, a deal that made him the most expensive British goalkeeper of all time.

Trafford’s return comes after a hugely successful last 12 months in which he experienced a record-breaking campaign with Burnley to secure the Turf Moor club’s promotion and return back to the Premier League under Scott Parker.

Manchester City’s decision to bring Trafford back into their ranks is a significant statement of intent, especially given the calibre of goalkeeping talent already at Pep Guardiola’s disposal. The move aligns with the club’s long-term strategy of recruiting and developing top young talent capable of contributing for years to come.

Trafford’s track record – including standout performances in England youth teams and valuable first-team experience since first leaving City on loan as an Academy prospect – now positions him as one of the most promising keepers in the country.

His time away from Manchester City has been far from straightforward, involving promotion pushes and a variety of tactical systems. Such experiences may prove invaluable in the coming years as he competes for minutes in one of football’s most demanding squads.

Speaking to reporters earlier this week, James Trafford has reflected on his first couple of weeks back at the Etihad Stadium, having re-joined Manchester City from Burnley in the last few weeks.

“It’s been mad. I’ve been at the club for about two weeks now and it’s been brilliant getting back in and seeing everyone again, settling back in. It’s been amazing but a mad few months,” Trafford admitted.

He continued, “There is obviously a decision to make. I thought City were the best option for my career and I obviously believe in myself. City was the right fit for me and it’s why I chose them. I wasn’t surprised when they did [come back in for me].

“But I don’t really think too far ahead. When they did, I thought ‘OK, sound.'”

Looking ahead to the future, James Trafford was quizzed on whether he sees himself becoming both Manchester City and England’s number one-choice goalkeeper for the next decade.

“That’s the aim,” Trafford boldly admitted. “If I do it, it’s brilliant. I know I have to work every day to achieve that because it’s hard being anywhere for a decade, let alone the best team in the world.”

The 22-year-old continued, “I’ve been in a lot of different environments, the way they’re playing and where they were in the league. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I’ve been dropped, I’ve played, I’ve done well, I’ve got relegated and promoted.

“I’ve had a lot of experiences and it’s set me up for this moment now.”

Looking forward, James Trafford’s challenge will be to bridge the gap between potential and performance at the very highest level. With Ederson firmly established as Manchester City’s first-choice keeper for the time being, the young Englishman may need to bide his time.

If he can maintain his upward trajectory, there is every chance Trafford could fulfil his decade-long ambition, potentially leading Manchester City’s back line into the 2030s starting from as soon as next summer, while also becoming Thomas Tuchel’s go-to option between the posts for England – perhaps beginning at next summer’s FIFA World Cup.