Former Manchester City manager approves of potential James Trafford and Gianluigi Donnarumma duo | OneFootball

Stuart Pearce – the former manager of Manchester City – is seemingly looking forward to the possibility of Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford competing this season.

The Etihad hierarchy are actively considering reinforcements in the goalkeeping department, with uncertainty still surrounding Ederson amid ongoing interest from Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray.

James Trafford, who returned to the club earlier this summer after a breakout year at Burnley in the Championship, has already been tested in the Premier League and is now pushing to establish himself as a first-choice option under Pep Guardiola.

Gianluigi Donnarumma, meanwhile, continues to be linked with a move away from Paris Saint-Germain, and a potential switch to Manchester would create one of the most intriguing goalkeeping battles in European football.

While Pep Guardiola has publicly praised Trafford, the City boss has been clear that no player is guaranteed a starting role. This has only fuelled speculation that a high-profile goalkeeper could arrive, providing both cover and competition.

Speaking during a new interview with BestBettingSites.co.uk, former Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce has backed James Trafford to view the possible arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad Stadium in a positive light.

“Trafford’s still only 22, so he’s got a lot of development to come. To have a goalkeeper of Donnarumma’s stature coming through the door, there’s great learnings there for him, to work alongside him in training and maybe take his place in future and for him to play in the cup competitions,” said Pearce.

“The downside of that is, if you bring a goalkeeper of that stature, chances are he’s going to be starting ahead of you, and as a 22-year-old, that’s not ideal,” Pearce continued. “But listen, I think Trafford will be aware of that.”

“I think when he turned up at City, I don’t know whether Pep would have made him any promises. I don’t think you can afford to do that at a club like City.

“He’s got a big career in front of him and I think even if a goalkeeper of a massive name and a big stature walks through the door, if I was advising Trafford, I would say, look, this is the situation: use it as an education, if you like.

“You’re trying to get in the team, you’re trying to keep him out of the team, but every day on the training pitch, watch this fella and just be guided on how he conducts himself.”

If Manchester City do move for Gianluigi Donnarumma, it could create a defining moment in James Trafford’s career trajectory.

Some may argue that a season of direct competition with a world-class goalkeeper could sharpen his abilities and prepare him to eventually inherit the No.1 shirt. Others, however, may point to the risk of stalled progress if he is restricted to occasional cup appearances.

Much will depend on whether Guardiola sees Trafford as a genuine long-term successor or part of a transitional phase in City’s goalkeeping evolution. Either way, Pearce’s comments highlight the importance of mindset, viewing elite competition as a platform for growth.