James Trafford has admitted he is unsure what the future holds for him at Manchester City following the shock deadline-day signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
“I Don’t Know What Happens Next Season” — Trafford Opens Up on City Uncertainty
The 23-year-old goalkeeper returned to his boyhood club last summer in a £27million move from Burnley, rejecting Newcastle United in the process.
City handed him the number one jersey as long-serving shot-stopper Ederson headed for the exit. It seemed Pep Guardiola had identified Trafford as the long-term successor.
He started the first three Premier League games of the season. However, everything changed on transfer deadline day.
City opportunistically signed Champions League winner Donnarumma from Paris St Germain, and the Italian has since taken over as the first-choice keeper.
Trafford now mostly features in domestic cup competitions.
“I didn’t expect the situation to happen but it happened,” Trafford said.
“I just get on with it. It is what it is, it’s football. You’ve got to keep grafting every day and when the games come, play as hard as you can.”
The England under-21 international is less than 12 months into a five-year contract. Given his current lack of game time, he cannot predict his long-term future at the Etihad.
“Let’s take it a day at a time and try and work as hard as I can and whatever happens, happens,” said Trafford, who featured in the FA Cup win over Salford.
“I’ve obviously got a contract, but I don’t know what happens next season. I just know that I’ll take it a day at a time and try and improve.”
The situation could also damage his chances of making England’s squad for the World Cup.
“Obviously everyone knows what’s going on with me,” he added.
“I’ve just got to, whenever I play, play as well as I can.”
Despite the setback, Trafford insists he holds no grudges against his teammate.
“He’s a great fella, he is a lovely man,” he said of Donnarumma.
“We both train as hard as we can and try and improve ourselves.
Some people find it tough, some people don’t. I just try as hard as I can and do what I believe I can do.”
On a positive note, Trafford has played a key role in City’s run to the Carabao Cup final.
Barring injury, he will get a chance to showcase his talents when they face Arsenal at Wembley next month.
