Pep Guardiola has made an extraordinary prediction about former Manchester City academy star James Trafford, boldly claiming the young goalkeeper is destined to become England's future number one despite his recent departure from the Etihad.
The Manchester City manager revealed his high praise for the 21-year-old shot-stopper, who completed a £19 million move to Premier League newcomers Burnley earlier this summer. Guardiola's endorsement comes as a significant vote of confidence in the Cumbria-born keeper's potential.
From Academy Prospect to Record Signing
Trafford's journey through City's esteemed academy system culminated in this summer's big-money transfer, making him one of the most expensive English goalkeepers in history. Despite never making a senior appearance for the champions, his development and performances on loan at Bolton Wanderers last season caught the eye of several top clubs.
Guardiola explained the reasoning behind allowing such a promising talent to leave: "We have an incredible keeper [Ederson] and we have the best keeper for the second team [Stefan Ortega]. He's a young keeper and for the fact of the second team, he cannot play."
Guardiola's Glowing Endorsement
The Catalan tactician didn't hold back in his assessment of Trafford's potential: "He will be the national keeper for England in the future. I'm pretty sure. He will be the number one for the national team."
This remarkable prediction places enormous expectations on the young goalkeeper's shoulders, especially considering England's current depth in the goalkeeping position with Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, and Nick Pope all established Premier League performers.
Smart Business for All Parties
Guardiola emphasised that the transfer represented excellent business for both clubs and the player himself. The substantial fee reinforces Manchester City's reputation for developing valuable assets, while Burnley acquires one of England's most promising young goalkeepers under the guidance of visionary manager Vincent Kompany.
For Trafford, regular first-team football in the Premier League provides the perfect platform to develop his game and potentially prove Guardiola's prediction correct in the coming years.
