Erling Haaland responds to emotional transfer announcement at Man City
Erling Haaland is clearly excited for the season ahead as Pep Guardiola secures another major signing at Man City.
The Citizens are currently undergoing a leadership transition this summer, with last term being one of the most difficult campaigns under the manager’s near-decade-long reign since his arrival in 2016.
Supporters have already said goodbye to Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne, the latter likely leaving Haaland incredibly disappointed, with Stefan Ortega, John Stones, and Jack Grealish possibly following suit.
With multiple further exits expected, moves have been made for Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Tijjani Reijnders, but Guardiola wants a much smaller squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Ederson’s future was already in doubt after Galatasaray’s approach for the shot-stopper, but now, a brand-new transfer announcement has raised serious questions over where he goes this summer.
Man City announce James Trafford signing
Taking to Instagram (29 July), the official club account wrote: “James Trafford returns to City!” with praising hand emojis, as the goalkeeper re-signs for the Citizens two years after leaving.
Haaland, who has benefited from Ederson’s distribution over the last few seasons, reacted to the announcement by leaving a like, clearly excited to work with the youngster.
Trafford came through the academy, being sent out on loan to Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers before finally sealing a permanent move to Burnley in July 2023.
Pep Guardiola continues major changes at the Etihad
Football Insider verdict
The Citizens went without a trophy for the first time since Guardiola’s first campaign in England, and after such a star-studded career in management, he will be hoping to avoid a repeat.
Liverpool and Arsenal have strengthened considerably in all areas, leaving plenty of work to do for any of the Premier League, FA Cup, or EFL Cup trophies, but there is already enough talent in the squad.
In fact, Guardiola has threatened to quit unless the Man City squad is made smaller, and the likes of James McAtee, Issa Kabore, Kalvin Phillips, and Ilkay Gundogan are likely to depart.
Speaking to Football Insider, Stefan Borson has raised questions over Man City signing West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta following the news of his expected clearance over his FA betting charges.
However, not only would more space be needed in the current squad, but funds would also need to be freed up after spending over £100million on transfers ahead of the Club World Cup.
Guardiola is ringing the changes ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, and understandably so. With Trafford returning from Turf Moor this summer, there is clearly a drive to bring youth into the team, too.