Season has been big learning experience - Trafford

TL;DR

James Trafford describes his season as a significant learning experience, stating his transfer to Manchester City hasn't yielded the best results. After starting as the first-choice goalkeeper, he has since played mainly in cup competitions following the signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Key points

James Trafford calls his season a big learning experience
Trafford's transfer to Manchester City hasn't had the best outcome
He started the season as first-choice goalkeeper
Trafford has mainly played in cup competitions since Donnarumma's signing
Newcastle had an accepted offer for Trafford before he returned to City

Mentioned in this story

James TraffordManchester CityBurnleyNewcastleGianluigi DonnarummaParis Saint-Germain

Goalkeeper James Trafford says this season has been a "big learning experience" and his transfer to Manchester City "hasn't been the best possible outcome".

Trafford, 23, rejoined City from Burnley in the summer and started the campaign as first choice by playing in the opening three Premier League games.

But he has since been consigned to featuring in cup competitions after Pep Guardiola signed Italy captain Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris St-Germain on deadline day in September.

City had the option of matching a bid from another club when they sold Trafford to the Clarets in 2023 and Newcastle had an offer accepted last July, but the keeper decided to move back to Etihad Stadium.

"It has obviously been very up and down throughout the season because I haven't played too much and obviously I had a decision to make in the summer," Trafford told BBC Sport.

"Everyone always thinks when you make decisions [for] the best possible outcome and obviously it hasn't been the best possible outcome, but I have just tried to either improve every day and just try and stay positive, try and stay happy.

"Because throughout the year it has been such a big learning experience so the main thing I didn't want is for it to impact your general happiness and your general feeling. I have had to learn a lot throughout the year and I have just tried to work as hard as I can and try and improve and win the day."

In January, Guardiola left open a potential exit for Trafford at the end of the season - saying the situation of the keeper is "special", adding "we will see what happens".

Europa League semi-finalists Aston Villa have reportedly shown an interest in signing him in the summer.