Gareth Barry Exclusive: Trafford Return To City Surprised Me, But It Makes Sense

Gareth Barry admits he was surprised that his former club Manchester City have re-signed former goalkeeper James Trafford, but admits the move could make sense.

City are looking to strengthen their squad after failing to win a trophy for the first time since 2016/17 - Pep Guardiola's debut campaign. 

Football betting sites have City as third favourites to win their fifth title in six seasons and the addition of Trafford should challenge Ederson, who has been first choice for the last eight seasons. 

Trafford joined City in 2015, but spent time on loan at Accrington and Bolton before signing for Burnley ahead of the 2023/24 season. 

The Clarets paid £15m for the keeper and after helping the Turf Moor side win promotion to the Premier League, that fee has turned out to be a very good piece of business.

In an exclusive interview with Gambling.com, Barry wonders if the 22-year-old is ready to be City's first choice keeper after completing his £27 million transfer.

"I’m sort of surprised really," Barry said. "City let the player go and then re-signed him - it's a strange bit of business. 

"He's produced some great games at Burnley and they probably knew what sort of personality he was.

"Obviously being at the club [before], they've seen him go away and improve. 

"It's probably a no-brainer to come in and say, we know this guy well, we've seen him improve away from Manchester City. 

"But can he come in and compete for the number one shirt? They have some good goalkeepers there."

McAtee Has Big Decision To Make

Barry, who will represent City at the Manchester Masters on September 5, believes the coming weeks and months are massive in the career of City midfielder James McAtee. 

The best betting sites continue to update their odds on where McAtee might continue his career, if he decides to leave the Etihad Stadium.

Earlier this summer, the 22-year-old captained England's U21s to their successful defence of the European Championship title they won two years ago. 

City have turned down a £25 million bid from Nottingham Forest for the midfielder, who will continue to court attention from a number of clubs.

McAtee started just three league games last season and in recent seasons, has been time on loan at Sheffield United twice.

However, on the back of his heroics with England this summer, now might be the time to kickstart his career elsewhere. 

Barry, who is the all-time leading appearance holder in the Premier League with 653 games, believes the decision will lie with McAtee about where he will be playing his football. 

“It's such a difficult decision for James," Barry told Gambling.com in an exclusive interview.

"He'll be getting the odd bit of football here and there.

"He'll feel himself that he's playing well and that he can produce the levels that Manchester City need. 

"However, when it's probably guaranteed football elsewhere at another big club, it's a big decision for him to make the right move. 

"I'm sure that the club and James will eventually make the right decision for himself because [Pep] Guardiola will know what football he can guarantee him.

"Then it's ultimately down to James, how much does he want to leave and how much does he want to play guaranteed football. 

"I'm confident he can produce, whether he stays or goes, so wherever he does go, they'll be getting a great player.”

Rodri’s Return Key To City’s Hopes

All eyes will be on City when the season begins with a trip to Wolves on August 16, as they look to get off to a winning start. 

City's quest for a fifth successive title suffered a major blow midway through the season when they took just five points from nine games from November 2 to Boxing Day. 

Barry believes the return of Ballon d'Or winner Rodri will help make City more competitive.

"It was a frustrating season for all Manchester City fans and Guardiola, but it's always tough to continuously win it. 

"There's no team out there in the world that can keep doing that and keep the level that Manchester City had shown before that. 

"You've got to hold your hands up to the other teams. Liverpool had a fantastic season and they were deserved winners. 

"This season, it will be interesting how they can bounce back with the new signings they've added. Can they gel quickly and close the gap that they were missing last season? 

"I'm really looking forward to seeing how all clubs come back this season, especially City.

"All eyes will be on them to see if they can respond from what they were not producing last year. 

"Rodri is an unbelievable player and his stats are there to show how much he's missed when he's not playing. 

"He produces all over the pitch, even with some big goals. I'm sure he's strong enough mentally. 

"Let's hope his body has reacted well and recovered well and he can get back to those lengths. I'm sure he can and I'm hopeful he can. 

"I'm sure his team-mates are as well. His presence will be big, even if he's close to reaching the level he was at. He will still be a key player for City."