James Trafford's return to Manchester City for a £30m fee has taken an unexpected turn, with the goalkeeper now serving as cup keeper rather than the first-choice stopper he anticipated. The 23-year-old started the season as City's number one, featuring in their first three Premier League games, but Gianluigi Donnarumma's arrival has reshuffled the deck.

Donnarumma, who joined from Paris St-Germain on deadline day, has played 30 matches for City, relegating Trafford to domestic cup appearances and one Champions League outing. After keeping a clean sheet against Salford City in the FA Cup, Trafford admitted the reality differs from his expectations: 'It wasn't what I expected coming into the season... It's the situation I'm in.'

The former Burnley keeper had impressed last season, playing 45 games in the Championship and conceding just 16 goals as Burnley secured promotion. His decision to return to City, where he spent six years in the academy, now appears premature given Donnarumma's presence. Former City goalkeeper Nicky Weaver sympathized with Trafford's predicament, noting that while the Italian represents 'world-class' quality, the lack of regular playing time could jeopardize Trafford's England prospects ahead of the World Cup.