A changing of the guard may take place at Manchester City this season | OneFootball

Fabrizio Romano has reported that James Trafford has signed a 5-year contract with Manchester City. His move from Burnley back to the Etihad is expected to be made official at any time now. As James Trafford looks set to return to Manchester City, a new report indicates that the 25/26 season may be Ederson’s final season at the club. There may be a changing of the guard in goal that occurs at City during the 25/26 season.

The 25/26 season is expected to be Ederson’s final season at Manchester City.

Simon Bajkowski reports for the Manchester Evening News that the 25/26 season is expected to be Ederson’s final season at Manchester City. Furthermore, Bajkowski reports that Ederson’s contract expires at the end of the 25/26 season. Bajkowski adds that it is unlikely that Ederson will sign a contract extension.

The possibility that James Trafford assumes the mantle as City’s number-one keeper next season is very real.

What is apparent is that James Trafford isn’t returning to Manchester City to sit on the bench. Trafford is an extremely driven goalkeeper who has his heart set on reaching the very top. Becoming Manchester City’s number-one goalkeeper is the stated goal of Trafford. He has the ability both as a shot stopper and with his feet to do exactly that. But to do that next season he will have to take Ederson’s place. The chances of that happening are very real entering next season.

Ederson will begin next season as Manchester City’s number-one goalkeeper. That has been his position since he signed for City from Benfica. Stefan Ortega has had his moments in goal, but Ederson remains City’s first-choice keeper. But James Trafford is coming back to City to fulfil his ambition. He could take Ederson’s spot next season. If that did occur it wouldn’t come as a major surprise.

It is down to Ederson to keep the challenge of James Trafford at bay. Perhaps Trafford’s imminent arrival will bring the best out of the Brazilian international. But if it doesn’t and Trafford takes Ederson’s place a changing of the guard will occur in goal at Manchester City. It’s just one of many storylines to watch for from a City point of view next season.