In one of the most surprising moves of the summer, James Trafford has completed a return to Manchester City.
Considering the 22-year-old left Pep Guardiola’s side in 2023 to sign for Burnley permanently, City fans would not have expected him to play his football at the Etihad Stadium anytime soon.
However, James Trafford is set to don the number one shirt at Manchester City next season and compete for a place in the side with Ederson.
Trafford is aware he will be Ederson’s understudy at the start of the 2025/2026 season, however, he could displace the Brazilian if his form is topsy-turvy like it was during the previous campaign.
While Trafford revealed he admires Ederson, he will have to be prepared to oust one of the best goalkeepers in Premier League history to become City’s go-to man in between the sticks.
James Trafford of England looks on during the pre-match warm up prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier match between Andorra and England at RCDE Stadium on June 07, 2025
Photo by Alex Caparros – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Micah Richards says James Trafford’s distribution will have to improve at Man City
Manchester City believe Trafford can become their number one and England’s as well in the future.
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As a result, the Sky Blues chose to re-sign the youngster, who is coming off the back of an excellent season at Turf Moor.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Micah Richards initially lauded Trafford’s self-belief while analysing his move to Manchester City.
“There was something special about him and I remember the Under-21s tournament [European Championship] where he saved a penalty in the final, didn’t concede and it was his interview afterwards where he said something like, he knew he was going to save it, he’s got that…I wouldn’t say arrogance but that confidence, let’s say and he believes in his ability and there’s aspects to his game where I thought, he’s going to be a top ‘keeper.”
Micah Richards revealed he rates Manchester City’s £27 million man, Trafford highly but the only question mark he has is whether he can distribute to the ball as well or at a similar standard to Ederson.
“Okay, he didn’t have a good season the season when he went down but there’s something there and he goes and he has an unbelievable season for Burnley last year so I’m not surprised [Manchester City signed Trafford]. We keep talking about tactics and systems and all that sort of thing, Ederson with his feet, he’s the best I’ve ever seen in the Premier League with his feet without doubt.”
James Trafford ahead of playing for England at the City Ground.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
However, Micah Richards admitted he backs Trafford to the hilt after his return to Manchester City, adding: “Trafford, he’s a really good shotstoppper, isn’t he and with his feet, he can do it, I’ve seen clips but he’s not just as elegant as Ederson and it takes a little bit longer. Ederson takes a touch and bang!”
“Obviously, he’s got a lot to live up to but in terms of shotstopping, he’s really good, he’s got my backing.”
Ashley Cole revealed how good James Trafford is on the ball
Joining Manchester City at just 12 years of age, Trafford has been accustomed to the role of being a ball-playing goalkeeper but as Micah Richards claimed, Ederson is the best in the business in possession.
However, as Stefan Ortega has shown, a goalkeeper can excel in Pep Guardiola’s system even if they are not as proficient in possession as the Brazilian.
Ashley Cole lauded Trafford’s quality on the ball after having managed him for England’s U-21 side.
Cole said in March: The Euros, 21s, we really used Traff to get out to the other side.”
“He’ll wait and pause on the ball, he waits for pressure to come, more often than not, 90 per cent, he’s making the right decision.”