Goalkeeping picture finally comes into focus
After a summer of movement between the sticks, City's number one situation has finally taken shape. James Trafford has completed a permanent switch to Leeds United, with Gerónimo Rulli poised to arrive as his replacement.
The 23-year-old's exit brings an end to his second spell at the Etihad. Trafford returned from Burnley last summer, only for the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG to push him down the pecking order into a backup and cup goalkeeper role.
It was a role he took to with some conviction. Trafford started both finals in City's FA Cup and Carabao Cup double, and his triple-save against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley proved pivotal. His form across the FA Cup run was similarly central to that triumph.
Now he gets the chance to be Leeds' first-choice keeper, a move he framed in terms of personal ambition.
"Manchester City will always mean a lot to me. My two spells here were both really positive. To come through the Academy, learn the City way of playing football and spend time with so many top coaches and young players gave me a fantastic platform to have a career in the game."
He added: "And to then come back and win two trophies felt really special. I have dreams and ambitions in the game to achieve, but I will always think of City with affection."
With Trafford gone, City have moved quickly. Foot Mercato report that an agreement has been reached with Olympique Marseille that will see Rulli become Donnarumma's understudy. The financial details have not been released.
It gives Enzo Maresca's squad an experienced deputy, and the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders finally have clarity in goal heading into the 2026-27 season.