James Trafford has reflected on his limited playing time at Manchester City and his move to Leeds United. Leeds United were 12th in the table before the fixtures - just two points off the European places.
Trafford’s Manchester City spell
Manchester City re-signed academy graduate Trafford in July 2025, two years after he had left the club to join Championship side Burnley. Less than six weeks after his arrival, Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived from Paris St-Germain and immediately became Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Trafford started the first three matches of the campaign, then made one further Premier League start in the 35 games that followed Donnarumma’s arrival. Speaking on Football Daily’s The Football Interview, the England goalkeeper said: “What a horrendous, horrendous feeling. Not playing.”
Trophies and the World Cup
Trafford helped Manchester City win the League Cup and FA Cup after starting both finals at Wembley. He was part of England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup but did not get game time.
Trafford said: “I didn't play, but it is what it is,” Being part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad was an “incredible experience” that he said he would not forget.
The move to Leeds United
After returning from the World Cup, Trafford left Manchester City to join Leeds United in a deal worth up to £45m. He has started all nine of Leeds United’s Premier League matches and kept three clean sheets.
Since arriving at Elland Road, Trafford said: “I just think it's an incredible club.”
