Home / Sports / Goalkeeper Battle Brews at Manchester City Ahead of Manchester Derby
Goalkeeper Battle Brews at Manchester City Ahead of Manchester Derby
10 Sep
Summary
- Ederson departs Manchester City after 8 years as starting goalkeeper
- Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford compete to be new #1 keeper
- Donnarumma is a proven talent, Trafford has impressed in early season starts
As of September 10th, 2025, Manchester City finds itself in a new era at the goalkeeper position. The departure of long-time #1 Ederson to Fenerbahce has left a void in goal that is now being contested by two players - Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford.
Donnarumma, the Italian international, joined City in the final days of the summer transfer window from Paris Saint-Germain. He is a proven performer at the highest levels of the game, having excelled for both AC Milan and the Italian national team. Trafford, on the other hand, is a young goalkeeper who has risen through the ranks at City and has started the club's first three Premier League matches this season.
While Donnarumma's pedigree and experience make him the favorite to take over as City's new starting keeper, Trafford's recent performances and his intimate knowledge of the Manchester derby rivalry could see him get the nod for the crucial clash against United this weekend. Whichever goalkeeper Pep Guardiola selects, City will be confident of having a capable pair of hands between the posts as they look to maintain their dominance over their cross-town rivals.
