Ex-Man City defender Micah Richards was somewhat taken aback that his former club decided to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards said questions about the Italian’s kicking ability, and the addition of James Trafford, had led him to believe that another goalkeeper would not be purchased this summer:

“I was assessing the Donnarumma to Manchester City [move], you know, with Trafford basically just going there, I didn’t think that was going to happen. I thought it was just more rumours. I didn’t think he was a ‘Pep style goalkeeper’ with his feet.”

“But in terms of shot-stopping, that is a massive signing. I feel a little bit sorry for James Trafford because obviously, Donnarumma has come in as number one.”

Richards is not the only one with doubts over Donnarumma

Several pundits have spoken out to question the decision to sign the 26-year-old. Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Ally McCoist have already had their say.

Ex-Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has also raised doubts about Donnarumma, stating he would have been a better fit for his former club.

Some have suggested that any keeper would have been a downgrade on Ederson in terms of their passing ability but there are legitimate concerns about the negative impact that the change will have on the team’s style of play.

Will Trafford spend the season on Man City’s bench?

As Richards points out, it is likely that Donnarumma will be brought in as City’s new number one. That will relegate James Trafford to bench duties.

Having returned to the Etihad from Burnley this summer, he would have hoped to have been given a longer run in the starting lineup, but he may now have to be satisfied with minutes in the domestic cups.

Read more about the Man City First Team Squad for 2025/26 here