I questioned the logic behind surprise Man City transfer – but I’ve already changed my mind

Manchester City made a late push to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma and David James has questioned where it leaves James Trafford with the World Cup set to be hosted in USA, Canada and Mexico next summer

Former England goalkeeper David James believes Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival can catapult Manchester City back to the pinnacle of domestic and European football. However, the Italy shot-stopper has questioned where that leaves Three Lions prospect James Trafford, who only just returned to the Etihad Stadium this summer after completing a £27million move from Burnley.

Pep Guardiola’s star-studded squad returned to winning ways on Sunday as they reclaimed bragging rights in an emphatic 3-0 win over rivals Manchester United. The 26-year-old Italian made his debut and had a positive impact in his first start, making a superb diving save to deny Bryan Mbeumo midway through the second-half.

Donnarumma was a shock arrival on transfer deadline day after being ousted from his number one position with Paris Saint-Germain. That’s despite being between the sticks for their Ligue 1, cup and Champions League triumph last term.

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“My initial thoughts were that; ‘This wasn’t planned’ or a thought-out strategy, City had signed Trafford, things happened that quickly that it wasn’t announced on transfer deadline day – it was the next day,” James told The Mirror via Esports Bets.

“I questioned the logic behind the signing before it happened. But, at the same time, I understand Donnarumma is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

“He is superb in the big games, as he’s proven over these last few years, City have a lot of big games so that side marries up. I was surprised at first but having seen the performance in the Manchester derby, it just makes sense.”

Defeats to Tottenham and Brighton naturally thrust City’s goalkeeping position back into the spotlight, especially with Trafford at fault for certain goals. Now with the arrival of Donnarumma and a place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad next summer at stake, James has questioned where it leaves Trafford.

“It’s an interesting development stage for him. When he signed there were a lot of comments about coming home, a long-term deal, 22 years old, young enough to be young – but still experienced enough to maintain a place in that Man City squad,” he added.

“As we saw in that opening game, you win 4-0, if that continues for the rest of the season, you can make mistakes and still win then grow and develop as a monster goalkeeper.

“Having Donnarumma come in at the age of 26, in footballing terms and goalkeeping, he’s still a youngster himself, then James Trafford has to be asking the question, ‘When am I going to play’? Is it League Cup? FA Cup? Or the odd Champions League game? Or is he able to fight for his place and become the number one?

“There’s a lot of questions but, in Donnarumma, you’ve got a big time player, someone I think is going to help City try and be successful. The other difficulty for Trafford, there is a vision that his move could be the springboard to get into the England starting line-up for the World Cup, now that Donnarumma is in position, it could corrupt that opportunity for him.”