James Trafford admits he was left in the dark over Man City’s plans to sign new No 1 goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma last summer: ‘Everyone knows what’s going on with me’

James Trafford admitted to being left in the dark over Manchester City’s plans to land Gianluigi Donnarumma last summer.

Donnarumma arrived from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day for £26million, with Trafford having started the first three Premier League games of the season.

Trafford snubbed Newcastle United to re-join City from Burnley for £27m with the expectation of challenging for the No 1 shirt but what has transpired leaves him considering his future.

‘I didn’t expect the situation to happen, but it’s happened, so you just get on with it,’ the 23-year-old said.

Asked to clarify if he meant the signing of Donnarumma, he replied: ‘Yeah. it’s happened so I’ll work very hard every day and then see what happens, give it my best shot.’

Asked if City moving for Donnarumma had ever felt on the cards when he signed, Trafford replied: ‘No, no. It’s just another experience to add to my career and yeah, it has been good learning.’ 

Man City paid £26million to sign Donnarumma (pictured with Pep Guardiola) on deadline day

City are believed to have made contact about the prospect of landing Donnarumma earlier in the summer but PSG had initially demanded a £35m transfer fee. 

Daily Mail Sport reported in December that Trafford was looking for a move during the winter window for fear of missing out on England’s World Cup squad.

Pep Guardiola is understood to have said that he needed the academy graduate for the Carabao and FA Cup campaigns – particularly pertinent given that Stefan Ortega was on his way out and eventually joined Nottingham Forest.

The situation around Trafford – who has been picked in every England squad under Thomas Tuchel – will be reviewed at the end of the season. 

‘Obviously everyone knows what’s going on with me so I’ve just got to play as well as I can whenever I play,’ he added.

‘Let’s take it a day at a time and try and work as hard as I can and whatever happens, happens.’ 

At least one Premier League club registered interest in Trafford last month and a number of suitors are expected to surface over the coming months,  

‘I’ve obviously got a contract,’ he said. ‘I don’t know what happens next season. I just know that I’ll just take it a day at a time and try and improve.

‘He (Donnarumma) is a great fella, he is a lovely man. We both train as hard as we can and try to improve ourselves. Obviously he’s had a great career so far and he’s got great standards.’