2025-09-27 06:36:59
In another world, James Trafford would be making an emotional and triumphant return on Saturday to Manchester City with Burnley as the Clarets’ shot-stopping extraordinaire. But instead he will be watching his former side take on City from the bench, watching the recently crowned Yashin trophy winner Gianluigi Donnarumma keep goal instead.Trafford was one of the hottest properties in the goalkeeping market after his record-breaking season with Burnley last year, conceding just 16 goals in the Championship and boasting a save percentage of 85 percent. He looked destined to move to Newcastle United and the Magpies would have been a fine destination for him, offering him Champions League football for the first time. But City, who he left for Burnley in 2023 without making a first team appearance, had placed a matching clause in the terms of his contract and it allowed them to equal Newcastle’s bid and take Trafford back to the Etihad Stadium.It was a surprise move but there was a certain logic to it from Trafford’s point of view as Ederson was winding down his long spell at City with one year left on his contract and the No. 1 spot was up for grabs. But the Brazilian fast-tracked his exit to join Galatasaray towards the end of the transfer window and City jumped at the opportunity to sign Donnarumma.Now Trafford is competing with arguably the top goalkeeper in the world, who has been performing at the highest level for the last decade but is only 26. And after starting the first three Premier League games of the season, Trafford is now confined to the bench for league and European games, with games in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup likely to be his only source of minutes unless Donnarumma gets injured or his form dramatically declines.With Trafford likely regretting his decision to return to City and reports emerging already of him seeking a loan move in January, GOAL takes a look at other transfer decisions which quickly backfired from the point of view of the player…
