'We sold the better keeper' - Man City fans enraged by 'life-changing' James Trafford footage

Manchester City supporters were forced to bid farewell to James Trafford far sooner than expected following his return.

Following an incredible two campaigns at Turf Moor with Burnley, the Citizens brought him back to the Etihad Stadium in a fairytale story.

That was until it emerged that the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma had squashed his dream of becoming Man City's first-choice goalkeeper.

Trafford was forced to watch from the bench for most of the 2025-26 campaign, making just four Premier League starts in 17 total appearances.

Now, he has joined Leeds United on a £40million deal, just one year on from his emotional return to Manchester, and is already starring for Daniel Farke's side.

He was thrown straight into the action for the Whites' pre-season friendly against Manchester United on Wednesday, 12 August, playing the first half at Croke Park in Dublin.

Man City 'absolutely fumbled' with treatment of James Trafford

Despite conceding to Joshua Zirkzee, Trafford made three saves in the first half, denying Bryan Mbeumo brilliantly seven minutes later to deny Man United a second.

After Leeds fans described his debut as "life-changing," one Man City fan suggested that their club "sold the better keeper".

Many at the Etihad Stadium believed he could be their goalkeeper for the next decade, but that will only be possibly if they buy him back in the future.

How did UK media react to Trafford's debut?

From shot-stopping to playing with the ball at his feet, Trafford clearly made an incredible first impression upon debuting for Leeds.

Leeds Live gave the goalkeeper a 9/10 rating, writing: "Looked very comfortable with the ball at feet, was super at picking a long pass.

"Terrific save to palm a rasping Mbuemo effort round the post in the first half. Anticipation was great. I hesitate to be over-zealous but he deserves his mark."

He got an 8/10 rating from Yorkshire Evening Post, being praised for a "solid debut" and a "very good start" to life with Farke's squad.

The 2026-27 campaign will be huge for Trafford, and he could make the difference between a bottom-half and top-half Premier League finish for Leeds.