Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival at Manchester City from Paris Saint-Germain on transfer deadline day was described as a good business, particularly since there was little doubt about the quality he was bringing in.
The 26-year-old Italian arrived at the Etihad as one of the world’s most decorated goalkeepers — a Champions League winner barely three months earlier, with four Ligue 1 titles and the Euro 2020 trophy already to his name.
It was a statement signing by Pep Guardiola’s side, the type that sends shockwaves across Europe and within the City squad itself. However, one player who would have felt the immediate impact of Donnarumma’s arrival at Manchester City is James Trafford — the young English goalkeeper who had only just earned his shot as City’s new No.1.
Trafford began the 2025–26 campaign in goal following his £27 million return from Burnley, where he had produced a sensational season that saw the Clarets secure automatic promotion from the Championship.
His 29 clean sheets in all competitions had not only earned him a big move back to Manchester but also a call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s first England squads as head coach. It was the perfect start to what looked like a breakthrough year for the 23-year-old.
Yet, within weeks, his trajectory changed. Manchester City, seeing an opportunity in the transfer market after PSG made Donnarumma available due to the arrival of Lucas Chevalier from Lille, moved quickly to secure one of the world’s best goalkeepers. And Donnarumma was never going to arrive just to provide competition — he was coming to start.
Donnarumma’s instant impact at the Etihad
In his first interview since joining City, Donnarumma revealed the main reason behind his decision to leave Paris for Manchester. Speaking to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, and later quoted by journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, the 26-year-old said:
“They wanted me a lot, they made me feel important, and now, they already consider me one of their own. I feel at home at Man City, even though it’s not been long since I moved there.”
That five-word admission — “They made me feel important” — offers a glimpse into the conviction City showed in signing him.
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For a player of Donnarumma’s calibre, such trust from Guardiola and the club hierarchy was all it took to seal the deal. In return, the Italian has wasted no time proving their faith right.
Since his debut, Donnarumma has started all six of Manchester City’s matches across the Premier League and Champions League, keeping three clean sheets and maintaining an unbeaten record. His commanding presence, distribution under pressure, and reflex saves have already reminded fans why he was once hailed as Gianluigi Buffon’s heir.
For Guardiola, Donnarumma’s arrival at Manchester City also ensures continuity after the eventual departure of Ederson, whose long-term future had been uncertain due to injuries and speculation linking him with moves abroad.
City, as always, appear to have planned well ahead — finding a goalkeeper equally capable of fitting seamlessly into their tactical system while offering world-class experience.
But for James Trafford, that same planning could not have come at a worse time.
Trafford’s fading spotlight after Donnarumma’s arrival
At the start of the season, Trafford’s story was one of promise and persistence. After years in City’s academy and a successful loan spell at Burnley, he looked ready to inherit the gloves from Ederson.
The England international started City’s first three Premier League matches, and early signs pointed to Guardiola entrusting him as part of a generational shift in goal.
All of that optimism faded quickly. Since Donnarumma’s arrival at Manchester City, Trafford has made just one appearance — in the Carabao Cup third-round win over Huddersfield Town, where he kept a clean sheet in a 2–0 victory. Beyond that, he has been confined to the bench, watching Donnarumma solidify his place as City’s undisputed No.1.
While Trafford remains part of England’s setup under Tuchel, his lack of playing time at club level could soon pose a problem. The competition for places in the national team is fierce, with Aaron Ramsdale, Jordan Pickford, and Dean Henderson all vying for inclusion ahead of the World Cup in North America next summer.
Tuchel has previously emphasized the importance of regular game time, and unless Trafford’s situation changes, his England spot could come under threat. His development — once accelerated by first-team minutes — now risks stagnation behind one of the best in the business.
For City, however, the short-term picture looks bright. Donnarumma has brought immediate assurance between the posts, combining experience with a hunger to prove himself in the Premier League. His communication with the backline, especially with Ruben Dias and John Stones, has already added stability to a defense that looked vulnerable earlier in the campaign.
And though Pep Guardiola is known for rotating goalkeepers in domestic cups, it is clear that in the league and Europe, Donnarumma is now his trusted starter.
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The Italian’s early form has silenced any doubts about whether he could adapt to English football’s intensity. His composure under high balls and quick decision-making have stood out, while his ability to play out from the back fits perfectly into Guardiola’s philosophy.
The shift, however, leaves Trafford at a crossroads. Still young and talented, he faces a critical decision — whether to fight for his place in Manchester or seek another loan move to continue his growth.
