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Ben Palmer

Fri 22 August 2025 7:00, UK

Man City have overspent this summer on a player who could spend much of this season on the bench.

That is the view of former England and Southampton star Matt Le Tissier, who told Football Insider exclusively that the transfer did not make sense for either party involved.

The Sky Blues endured a dismal 2024/25 campaign after doing very little business the summer before, as Man City brought Ilkay Gundogan back from Barcelona after adding Savinho to their side.

Pep Guardiola‘s side struggled from the off and lacked the energy or verve that previously made them so feared.

Keen to avoid making the same mistake of not refreshing their squad, Man City signed Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Marcus Bettinelli at the beginning of the window, before then completing deals for James Trafford and Sverre Nypan.

However, the deal to bring the former Burnley goalkeeper back to his boyhood club is a concerning one for Le Tissier.

Rayan Cherki joined Man City from Lyon this summer.

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This article contains exclusive comment from former Southampton and England striker Matt Le Tissier.

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Speaking to Football Insider exclusively, Le Tissier named his three worst signings of the summer.

The first was Anthony Elanga’s move to Newcastle, followed by Noni Madueke switching Chelsea for Arsenal, and the Premier League legend rounded out his list with City’s new shot-stopper.

He said: “One who I thought was a little bit overpriced, and he’s a good goalkeeper, don’t get me wrong, but James Trafford at £31m.



James Trafford chose to join Man City over Newcastle.

“That was one that baffled me a little bit.

Trafford assumed the role of starter on the first day of the season, a 4-0 win against Wolves, as Ederson was left out of the squad.

The Brazilian shot-stopper may be on his way to Turkey to join Galatasaray, but that does not mean the Englishman will remain first-choice.

Gianluigi Donnarumma may displace James Trafford at Man City.

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Mick Brown told Football Insider that Man City are stepping up their efforts to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma.

PSG’s shot-stopper is available after Lucas Chevalier joined from Lille this summer, leaving the Italy international surplus to requirements.

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