Manchester City are preparing for the 2025/26 Premier League season as they look to reclaim their crown as league champions, having slipped below Liverpool and Arsenal last season, ending their four-year title-winning streak.
To do so, The Citizens are already making waves in the transfer market, having signed Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan, Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Rayan Cherki from Lyon and Sverre Halselth Nypan from Rosenborg.
The signing of the latter three, Ait-Nouri, Cherki and Nypan, have been particularly irritating for City’s rivals Manchester United, as The Red Devils have been linked with all three over the last 12 months.
Ait-Nouri was a strong contender to fix United’s left-back issue when Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia were both out injured, with United going for Patrick Dorgu instead.
Cherki was considered to bolster Ruben Amorim’s attack over the last few months, however, United have favoured the proven Premier League duo of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo instead.
Finally, Nypan has been scouted and monitored for over a year, with United facing Rosenborg last summer, getting a first-hand look at the talented youngster. Ultimately, however, City beat them to it.
However, the list of recent United targets that City have signed is about to grow to four, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that Pep Guardiola is about to add James Trafford to his squad.
United looked to James Trafford amid Andre Onana’s problematic season, costing The Red Devils goals and results, seeing them slip to 15th place in the Premier League, their worst result since their 1973/73 relegation.
As such, options for Onana’s replacement were considered, with the Burnley keeper’s 29 clean sheets in 45 games getting him on the shortlist.
However, City have now signed the 22-year-old with United favouring Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.
🚨🔵 EXCLUSIVE: Manchester City agree deal to sign James Trafford as new goalkeeper, here we go!
Deal in place with Burnley under value of £40m buy back clause. Trafford said yes to Man City as Pep Guardiola wanted him.
Newcastle are also informed about Trafford’s decision. pic.twitter.com/UG4X3V2lsZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 25, 2025
