Trafford left Man City for mental wellbeing after limited play

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 8 Nov, 07:15 · Archive

James Trafford joined Leeds United after barely playing for Manchester City last season following Gianluigi Donnarumma's arrival.

James Trafford joined Leeds United in the summer after spending last season as backup goalkeeper at Manchester City, a period he has described as "horrendous" for his mental health.

Trafford rejoined Manchester City in July 2025 following a two-year spell at Burnley. However, less than six weeks later, Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived from Paris Saint-Germain to become first-choice goalkeeper. The 27-year-old, who had recently helped PSG win the Champions League, immediately displaced Trafford, who was just 24 at the time.

After starting the first three Premier League matches of the season, Trafford made only one further league appearance in the 35 games that followed Donnarumma's arrival. This came on the final day of the season in City's 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa. He was deployed mostly in cup competitions by Pep Guardiola during his time on the sidelines.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Trafford reflected on the difficulty of his situation. "What a horrendous, horrendous feeling, not playing," he said. "You just lose yourself not playing." He described how the experience led him to regularly talk through his difficulties with family and friends.

Traffold emphasised that regular playing time was essential for him. "I had to play regularly this season for my own mental wellbeing," he said, explaining that the lack of football was affecting him personally. His move to Leeds in the summer represented a search for the first-team opportunities he was unable to secure at City.

How it is being reported

• 'I was happy to escape the Man Utd negativity – it was common sense to join Aston Villa'The former Manchester United star felt it was necessary to depart Old Trafford and join Aston Villa to escape the negativityMirror Sport · 8 Nov, 07:00
• James Trafford says he left Man City for his 'mental wellbeing'Trafford made just four Premier League appearances for Manchester City last term after the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma dashed his hopes of becoming number oneIndependent Sport · 7 Nov, 11:31
• I had to play regularly for my mental wellbeing - Trafford on summer moveLeeds United's James Trafford opens up on his struggles at Manchester City last season that were behind his summer transfer.BBC Sport · 7 Nov, 07:27
• Not playing at Man City 'horrendous' - TraffordJames Trafford says not playing for Manchester City last season was "horrendous" and left him with no choice but to leave the club and join Leeds United in the summer.BBC News · 7 Nov, 07:16

In this story: James Trafford · Manchester City · Leeds United · Gianluigi Donnarumma · Paris Saint-Germain · Pep Guardiola · Aston Villa

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