Pep Guardiola is without a doubt the best manager Manchester City have ever had, but even he has made mistakes during his time at the Etihad.
For instance, Guardiola admitted he should have done more to keep Jesus Navas at City, and he also admitted to making tactical mistakes in the 2024 FA Cup final.
Now, the Manchester City boss may have just made a mistake that could potentially lead to a repeat of the Julian Alvarez scenario in the next couple of years.
James Trafford of Manchester City looks dejected during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium on August 23, 2025
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
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James Trafford situation has quickly changed much like that of Julian Alvarez at Manchester City
Alvarez signed for City from River Plate for around £14million in January 2022, and he remained on loan at the Argentine giants until the summer.
However, by the time Alvarez arrived at the Etihad, City had also signed Erling Haaland, who would go on to become the club’s first-choice striker.
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Alvarez was often forced to play second fiddle to Haaland and, even though the Argentine did well and became a fan favourite, it wasn’t long before he opted to move.
Just two years after arriving at City, Alvarez was on his way out as he was sold to Atletico Madrid for a fee of around £81million.
Something similar has happened this summer, with James Trafford joining City, only for his move to be overshadowed by Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival.
When Trafford joined, Ederson was still at City, and the English keeper would likely have thought that he would become the Brazilian’s long-term successor.
However, City have now signed Donnarumma, the world’s best goalkeeper, who is still very young for a player in his position and could easily have another decade at the top.
Just as Alvarez’s circumstances changed so soon after arriving at City, so has Trafford’s situation become a lot different within just weeks of his move to M11.
Obviously we’ll have to see how things play out, but most fans think Donnarumma will be first-choice right away, while Trafford will be his back-up.
This could well end up leading to a scenario similar to that of Alvarez, who decided to up sticks after just two seasons.
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The mistake Manchester City made in the Julian Alvarez case
City absolutely cannot be said to have made a mistake in signing Haaland, who has been a real force to be reckoned with for Guardiola’s side.
Likewise, City did not make a mistake in selling Alvarez. Indeed, the Citizens should be lauded for respecting the Argentine’s wishes.
The mistake they made regarding Alvarez was not replacing him that very same summer, which led to a poor first half of the season.
Although City eventually signed Omar Marmoush to replace him, it proved too little too late when it came to their Premier League title hopes.