Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford has reflected on the "horrendous" experience of sitting on the bench at Manchester City last season, revealing that securing regular minutes was vital for his mental wellbeing. The 24-year-old shot-stopper originally re-signed for City in July 2025, two years after departing his boyhood club for Championship outfit Burnley. However, his first-team opportunities quickly vanished less than six weeks later when 27-year-old Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived from Champions League winners Paris St-Germain to immediately claim the starting role under Pep Guardiola. Having started City's first three matches of the campaign, Trafford managed just a single further Premier League start in the 35 fixtures that followed.
Discussing his time on the fringes during an appearance on Football Daily's The Football Interview, Trafford admitted to the emotional strain of being dropped. He labelled the lack of playing time a "horrendous, horrendous feeling" and disclosed that he frequently called his mum, dad, partner, and friends to vent. Nevertheless, the former Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers loanee took positives from the season, having started both finals at Wembley to help City lift the FA Cup and League Cup. While City fell short of winning all four trophies, Trafford explained that he improved significantly and looked back on the campaign with gratitude despite experiencing low moments.
Trafford subsequently earned a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the 2026 World Cup. Although he did not feature on the pitch, he described being involved as an "incredible experience" where he embraced his role and focused on gaining valuable tournament knowledge. Looking to the future, Trafford has firmly targeted becoming the starting shot-stopper for the national team, confirming that securing the number one jersey has always been his dream and that he aims to keep improving to put himself in the best possible position.
That pursuit of regular top-flight action led to Trafford joining Leeds United after the World Cup in a deal worth up to £45m—a record fee for a British goalkeeper. Under manager Daniel Farke, he has started all nine Premier League matches this season and registered three clean sheets. His form has seen Leeds concede only eight goals, a defensive tally bettered only by Brighton's seven and Arsenal's five, lifting the club to 12th in the table and within two points of the European places. Describing Leeds as an "incredible club" backed by a passionate fanbase, Trafford insists the squad are determined to keep improving and push for a return to European competition.
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