Manchester City's goalkeeping hierarchy has become one of the most compelling subplots of the 2025-26 season. The big question is which of the two will take the No.1 spot?
With Ederson departed, Pep Guardiola finds himself choosing between two very different kinds of keepers. James Trafford, the young and home-grown talent, was signed from Burnley and Gianluigi Donnarumma, the experienced Italian, was brought in from Paris Saint-Germain.
City's prospects during this season
Whatever happens with the goalkeeping battle, Manchester City remain in the conversation for all major trophies this season. With a squad boasting world-class talent, including players like Erling Haaland, lethal up front. City are aiming for Premier League glory, Champions League success and domestic cup competitions. Their start has been mixed, reminding fans that even City can be vulnerable, mistakes cost games, as Trafford's error vs Tottenham showed. But with Donnarumma's arrival, there's a safety net: a cushion in experience, particularly in high-pressure fixtures. If the keeper debate gets resolved in favour of stability, it could be the difference between narrowly falling short and adding another trophy haul. The goalkeeping decision is less of a risk for City, more of a luxury problem, but making the right choice could define whether they dominate or merely compete.
From a betting perspective, City remain one of the favourites for major honours. They are currently near the top of the Premier League winner odds, priced alongside Arsenal and Liverpool as the leading contenders. For those looking to follow the Premier League this season, on Oddspedia, you can find a list of bookmakers that offer free bets, together with the latest news, and betting odds on the website.
Punters expect them to challenge deep into the Champions League as well, which means Guardiola may lean toward the more experienced keeper in key knockout ties. Bettors watching this keeper battle will have one eye on form; consistent performances could see City shorten the title and treble odds as the season continues.
The contenders
James Trafford arrived at City in July for a fee reported to be around £27 million. He was viewed by many as the logical successor to Ederson. This was thanks to his comfortable youth record, promising distribution from the back and growing reputation in English football. Early in the season, after Ederson's departure, he started as the first choice, which signals the club's belief in his potential. However, he has already encountered rough patches, most notably a costly mistake in a match against Tottenham, which raises some serious questions about whether his composure can withstand the biggest pressure.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, in comparison, arrives with a pedigree. A European Championship winner, a veteran of top-tier competitions and fluent in big-match environments, his signing from PSG for around £30 million shows City want someone who has already proven themselves at the highest level. Observers believe that while Trafford has been given opportunities, some of his performances have not fully convinced Guardiola's exacting standards. Donnarumma's arrival is widely interpreted as signalling that the No.1 role is up for grabs, whatever initial promises were made.
Tactical fit and managerial preferences
Guardiola's system demands more from a goalkeeper than just excellent shot-stopping. Modern Manchester City goalkeepers must play with their feet, act as an auxiliary sweeper when needed and distribute to initiate attacks. Ederson set a high bar for these attributes. Trafford has shown promise in terms of passing and positioning, but he is still developing under pressure. Donnarumma, while strong in goal and experienced, has been occasionally critiqued for his distribution in tense moments, though many think that with the right coaching and adaptation, he can meet City's style. The manager's choice may depend less on prestige and more on who best executes the demanding tactical instructions with consistency.
Probable scenarios and verdict
Here are a few plausible outcomes:
- Donnarumma becomes No.1 fairly quickly: If Ederson is fully gone and Trafford's early mistakes affect Guardiola's trust, Donnarumma gets handed the jersey for Champions League and big matches and gradually becomes first choice.
- Rotation early, then clarity: City might rotate between the two, giving Trafford games in less critical fixtures like cup ties, lower-pressure league matches. While Donnarumma plays in big fixtures. After some time, whoever has a better form becomes the first choice.
- Trafford fights back: If Trafford puts together a run of clean, confident performances, especially showing composure with passes from the back and no major mistakes, he could retain or reclaim trust. But it seems less likely given how Guardiola appears to value big-match experience.
Ultimately, the battle between Trafford and Donnarumma is more than just a question of who wears the gloves. It's a test of how City balance development with immediate success. Trafford represents the club's long-term project and its faith in young, home-grown talent. While Donnarumma is the proven winner brought in to deliver results now. Guardiola's decision will likely evolve as the season continues, influenced by form, confidence and the stakes of each competition.
What's clear is that Manchester City have enviable depth in a position that many rivals struggle to fill and whichever goalkeeper emerges as the No.1 will do so having been sharpened by fierce competition. For fans and bettors alike, this subplot adds another layer of intrigue to a season where City are once again chasing glory on every front. The coming months will reveal whether Guardiola's faith in youth or his preference for experience tips the balance.