Trafford’s Journey: From Burnley Hero to Manchester City Bench

Trafford has emerged as one of England’s most promising talents after playing a crucial role in Burnley’s promotion from the Championship in the 2024-25 season. The Cumbrian goalkeeper featured in all but one league match, contributing to the Clarets’ impressive record of 30 clean sheets—jointly the highest in English league history, matched only by Port Vale in the 1953-54 season.

Under Scott Parker’s management, Burnley conceded just 16 league goals across 46 matches, amassing 100 points to finish second in the league, trailing Leeds United, who topped the table due to superior goal difference. Daniel Farke’s squad scored an impressive 95 league goals, while Burnley netted 69.

Following his outstanding performances, Trafford came close to joining Newcastle United during the summer transfer window. Eddie Howe’s side sought to bolster their goalkeeping roster after last season’s Carabao Cup triumph. However, Manchester City exercised a matching rights clause, successfully securing Trafford’s services, having previously developed the former England Under-21 goalkeeper before selling him to Burnley in 2023.

Despite starting City’s first three Premier League matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur, and Brighton & Hove Albion, Trafford has since lost his starting position to Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian goalkeeper joined City from Paris Saint-Germain after losing his own spot to Lucas Chevalier, who arrived from Ligue 1 side Lille.

Donnarumma has made 14 appearances in all competitions for City, relegating Trafford to the substitutes’ bench. The former Bolton Wanderers player has been utilized in cup competitions, including starting in the Carabao Cup victories against Huddersfield Town and Swansea City.

Trafford’s last outing was in City’s 2-0 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, where manager Guardiola made ten changes to the starting lineup. Recent reports from the Daily Mail indicate that Trafford is contemplating a transfer during the upcoming January window, with Newcastle expected to renew their interest in him, particularly as fellow goalkeeper Stefan Ortega may also leave.

Once a dependable number two, Ortega has seen his position threatened by the arrivals of Trafford, Donnarumma, and Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea. The report further notes that Trafford is concerned about maintaining his place in the England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, especially as manager Thomas Tuchel has emphasized the necessity of regular play to secure a spot on the team for North America next summer.

Donnarumma is anticipated to start again when City faces Fulham in the league on Tuesday. The 26-year-old has made headlines following accusations from Leeds boss Farke, who alleged that Donnarumma feigned injury to manipulate the game’s pace during their recent match. After Leeds equalized from a two-goal deficit, Donnarumma took a fall to receive treatment, allowing Guardiola to regroup his players. City ultimately secured a 3-2 victory with a stoppage-time goal from Phil Foden.

Farke commented on the situation, stating, “Everyone knows why he [Donnarumma] went down. It is not the elephant in the room. It was obvious. It is within the rules. Whether I like it or not is my personal opinion. It is up to the authorities to address such situations. We need to educate our players on fair play and sportsmanship. If bending the rules becomes prevalent, it is concerning, but what can we do if it is within the regulations?”