Manchester City will unveil Enzo Maresca to the media on Friday and the new boss already has some transfer questions to answer.
Enzo Maresca has a tough transfer test on his hands
Enzo Maresca has a tough transfer test on his hands(Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)
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Taking over from Pep Guardiola was always going to be a daunting task. Throughout his Manchester City tenure, Enzo Maresca will naturally be compared to Guardiola, with each decision analysed closely. It's an unenviable challenge.
One major test of his decision-making is now looming large after developments on Thursday. Leeds have approached City for their goalkeeper James Trafford. This won't come as a surprise to Maresca. Trafford was the best second-choice goalkeeper in the league last season.
His performances in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup helped City win both domestic trophies. It was a dream scenario for Guardiola. Gianluigi Donnarumma performed well in the Premier League and Champions League, while Trafford held down the fort in his absence. City lost very little when playing either goalkeeper.
However, it was also unsustainable. Trafford was never going to accept being a second choice. At 23, he needs regular first-team football. 17 appearances may have been enough to get him into the World Cup squad, but it was certainly not enough to keep him happy.
"No illusions, it hasn’t been easy at all," he admitted after winning the Carabao Cup in March. "It’s been really tough at times, but I have a really good set of people around me. My teammates and my coaches have been brilliant. They have kept me going and given me individual goals. It’s down to them."
Trafford is said to be keen on a move to Elland Road and were that deal to be agreed, it leaves Maresca with a big task on his hands. Donnarumma would be the No.1 but a replacement plan for Trafford is needed. Exactly who that will be is unclear. Realistically, there are four options available to Maresca.
He could sign a goalkeeper of a similar profile to Trafford, but that seems unlikely. The England international would have played significantly fewer matches last season had City not reached the finals of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. No player heading into his best years will happily take on the role as back-up when Donnarumma is clearly first choice.
Maresca may need to accept that his back-up to Donnarumma will be either a young player or a veteran. The youthful option seems unlikely too, considering the talents coming through at City. Pierce Charles returned to the Etihad Stadium this summer while Oliver Whatmuff continues to impress lower down the pyramid.
James Trafford and Gianluigi Donnarumma battled for the Manchester City No.1 spot last season
James Trafford and Gianluigi Donnarumma battled for the Manchester City No.1 spot last season
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Neither will be available for City next season as they both have loan spells agreed. Adding another goalkeeper with a similar profile to the pair would not make sense.
Maresca could go down the experienced route, which has fewer risks. They will be happy to be second choice, should be relatively cheap, especially considering the money coming in for Trafford, and will be capable of performing when needed. However, there is not a huge volume of 30-something goalkeepers willing to take on that role. Karl Darlow could have been a decent addition, but Manchester United have already signed him.
That leaves just one final option for City: promoting from within. Marcus Bettinelli is third choice right now, but he could be second choice for one year while the Blues' loanees develop. However, Maresca will be aware of the pitfalls in that plan.
Bettinelli last made a senior appearance in 2022 for Chelsea against Chesterfield in the FA Cup. Throwing him in as a cup goalkeeper next season would be an incredibly risky decision. There would be no guarantees he could play to the required standard and, in fairness, he arrived to be Scott Carson's successor, not to feature in competitive games.
This goes to show the task in hand for Maresca as Trafford's exit edges closer. All four solutions to replacing him are blemished by pitfalls or risks.
In an ideal world, City would sign a Trafford 2.0, but that's unlikely to happen. Maresca has a tough task on his hands.