James Trafford has joined up with the rest of the Manchester City squad this week after his move from Burnley was officially confirmed on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old is taking part in pre-season with the ambition of becoming Pep Guardiola’s number one goalkeeper at some point during the campaign, as Ederson is set to leave the club next summer and has been prone to errors recently.
For now, Trafford will be focused on settling back in Manchester having left in 2023, and getting to know his new teammates a little more.
Trafford looks up to Ederson and knows the Brazilian well, which is the case for many others, with the goalkeeper believing Man City are about to get rid of an incredible player this summer.
James Trafford is a big fan of James McAtee
Trafford knows James McAtee very well, as the English duo came through Man City’s academy at the same time and have represented England together on many occasions.
When asked to pick his Man City all-time five-a-side team, the goalkeeper showed how highly he rates the 22-year-old, as he included the Englishman.
“I’ll go Macca, McAtee. I’ve got to put him in; he’s an incredible player, I grew up with him and a good friend,” Trafford told Man City’s media team.
The goalkeeper will be disappointed to know that McAtee will be leaving Man City over the coming weeks, as the midfielder is not guaranteed many minutes this season at the Etihad Stadium.
Nottingham Forest are pushing for McAtee, while Tottenham are another club keeping an eye on the 22-year-old’s situation, as it remains to be seen where the Englishman will end up.
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Kevin De Bruyne left an impression on James Trafford
Trafford partnered McAtee with Kevin De Bruyne in his midfield, as the Belgian left an impression on the goalkeeper during his first spell at City, with the 22-year-old labelling the club legend as “unbelievable”.
“De Bruyne, because when I was here, he was unbelievable. He could put the ball anywhere; he speaks for himself,” the new Man City signing said.
The goalkeeper came very close to working with the midfielder once again; however, De Bruyne joined Napoli this summer after the Premier League giants opted not to give the 34-year-old a new deal at the Etihad Stadium.
