By Martin Graham
Manchester City’s decision to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma on deadline day highlighted the concerns surrounding Pep Guardiola’s squad.
James Trafford had been in goal for the first three league fixtures, impressing in parts and earning praise after the loss to Brighton, but his place is now under threat with the £26m arrival from Paris St-Germain.
Ederson’s transfer to Fenerbahce left a major void, and City acted quickly to bring in the Italian international. Their spending this summer has now passed £180m.
After opening the season with a 4-0 win against Wolves, City suffered consecutive defeats to Tottenham and Brighton, raising questions over the team’s early form. Guardiola admitted after Sunday’s loss that his players lost composure after conceding late goals.
Ederson’s influence and Donnarumma’s role
Ederson’s exit ends an eight-year spell that saw him win six league titles, a Champions League trophy, and redefine the role of a goalkeeper with his distribution and ability to launch attacks. His passing range and calmness under pressure became central to City’s style of play.
Peter Schmeichel described him as unique, explaining that rival coaches often instructed their players not to press him because of his composure and long-range accuracy. In total, the Brazilian even registered eight assists during his time at the club.
In contrast, Donnarumma arrives with strengths in shot-stopping and aerial dominance rather than ball-playing skills. At 26, he has already collected major honours, including a Champions League triumph with PSG and his decisive saves in the European Championship final three years ago.
Club sources believe his mentality and leadership qualities will be important for a dressing room missing Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish. However, adapting to Guardiola’s system will present its own challenges.
What happens to Trafford?
Trafford rejoined City from Burnley for £27m earlier in the summer and was initially expected to compete with Ederson. When doubts emerged over the Brazilian’s future, the 22-year-old was given the chance to start.
He impressed on his debut against Wolves with a clean sheet but looked nervous in the home defeat to Tottenham. Despite those struggles, Guardiola kept faith in him for the Brighton fixture, where he produced several saves despite the loss.
Inside the club, there is still belief in his long-term future. With City involved in multiple competitions, Trafford is expected to get opportunities even with Donnarumma in the squad.
Guardiola must now choose between sticking with the young Englishman or handing Donnarumma his debut in the upcoming derby against Manchester United. It is a decision that could shape City’s immediate fortunes and determine which manager in Manchester faces the greater scrutiny.
