Joe Hart issues verdict on Gianluigi Donnarumma signing and James Trafford’s future

James Trafford will still have a career with Manchester City despite the signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma, former Etihad star Joe Hart has insisted.

The summer arrival of Italy’s No.1 was one of the most high-profile deals of the window and immediately raised questions over how Pep Guardiola would structure his squad of goalkeepers.

Despite Ederson leaving the club for Fenerbahce at the same time, Marcus Bettinelli, Stefan Ortega and James Trafford remain at the Catalan’s disposal, with the latter having held down the starting role for the opening three Premier League matches.

Trafford, who came through City’s academy and earned plaudits for his starring performances at Burnley last season, had been tipped to eventually become Pep Guardiola’s long-term No.1, amid an expectation that Ederson would remain at the club this season.

However, the Brazilian’s late departure and the simultaneous £30 million investment in Gianluigi Donnarumma has shifted expectations and created fresh debate among fans about the club’s succession planning between the posts.

For Donnarumma, the move to City marks a new chapter after lifting PSG’s first ever Champions League trophy this year. Still just 26 years old, with over a decade of senior football under his belt, he represents both a short-term and long-term option for City, leaving Trafford’s role a subject of widespread discussion.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club this week, former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart issued a glowing reporting on the club’s newest recruit between the posts, dispelling the myth about the Italian’s limited ability with the ball at his feet.

“He’s capable with his feet, he’s more than capable,” Hart insisted. “I’ve watched him play under pressure, I’ve watched him play for Italy, I’ve watched him play the whole way up from 16-years-old.

“There’s a man, or a boy at the time, who could hold his nerve, for AC Milan. All the way through, and then gone into PSG and won them their first Champions League trophy.”

The former England international continued, “Look, I’m a big James Trafford fan, I’m really pleased for how he’s done and him coming back to Manchester City I think is a really positive move.

“But why would you not sign Donnarumma and have him as part of your system, and someone who can win you games? He’s absolutely humongous in goal making top, top saves at the top level.

“And when it comes to James Trafford, I think they’re in such a zone right now, Pep Guardiola’s in such a zone where maybe he thought the Premier League he could just continue winning it, and maybe he’d win last year and move out.”

Continuing on the subject of Trafford and Guardiola, Hart said, “I think he [Guardiola] is ruthless now and he wants someone in there who he knows is world class.

“James Trafford has potential, I think they will nurse that and respect that. But he might not get what he wanted out of this season… But I still think he’ll have a Manchester City career, for sure!”

Joe Hart’s backing of both goalkeepers highlights the balance Pep Guardiola may need to strike in the coming months. Gianluigi Donnarumma is widely expected to command the No.1 shirt, but with City facing another gruelling season across four competitions, Trafford could still feature prominently.

Either way, Manchester City appear well-positioned in goal for the foreseeable future, with Donnarumma’s experience at the very highest level complemented by Trafford’s exciting potential.

Joe Hart’s latest words will only strengthen belief among Manchester City fans that the young England international’s time will come, whether that be immediately after the international break or further down the line.

Source: Sports Yahoo