James Trafford reveals truth on Manchester City return and Gianluigi … — and more

Manchester City left James Trafford in the dark over plans to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma just weeks after bringing him back to the Etihad Stadium.

City’s goalkeeping situation has been one of the most closely watched storylines of the 2025/26 campaign, particularly after the club’s decision to invest heavily in the position during the summer transfer window.

Trafford’s return to the Etihad Stadium from Burnley was initially framed as a long-term move aligned with Pep Guardiola’s philosophy, but circumstances shifted rapidly once the window progressed.

The 23-year-old rejoined City in a £31 million deal and was entrusted with starting duties at the beginning of the season, featuring prominently during the early Premier League schedule. However, the late arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma altered the hierarchy, prompting Trafford’s transition into a supporting role.

Speaking to reporters after yet another fine performance when called upon by Pep Guardiola in domestic cup action for Manchester City, James Trafford spoke openly about his role as back-up choice goalkeeper for the club.

“I didn’t expect the situation to happen, but it’s happened, so you just get on with it”, the 23-year-old told reporters at the Etihad Stadium.

When asked to clarify whether he specifically meant the club’s signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma weeks after his arrival, Trafford said, “Yeah. It’s happened so I’ll work very hard every day and then see what happens, give it my best shot.”

On whether Manchester City moving for the Italian international had ever felt on the cards when he signed for the club from Burnley, Trafford said, “No, no. It’s just another experience to add to my career and yeah, it has been good learning.”

While league and European opportunities have been limited, James Trafford has carved out an important role as City’s trusted option in knockout competitions, providing stability and composure during high-pressure fixtures.

That trust has been repaid with a series of impressive displays, most notably during City’s run to the 2026 Carabao Cup Final, featuring in all five matches including both legs of the semi-final against Newcastle, underlining his value in Guardiola’s rotation strategy.

Guardiola has continued to publicly commend James Trafford’s attitude and technical quality, highlighting his sharpness despite extended periods without regular starts. And as Manchester City continue to compete on multiple fronts, Trafford’s readiness ensure he remains a dependable option.

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Angel Reese is serving Valentine’s glam with a daring designer twist. The LSU basketball star and rising WNBA talent shared a new look on TikTok, and it’s already turning heads. In a video posted to her official account, Reese showed off a striking Roberto Cavalli slip dress. It appeared to be held up by just two delicate shoulder strings. The post, captioned “HAPPY V DAYYYY,” captures her posing in front of a mirror, fully embracing the holiday’s romantic spirit.

Angel Reese’s Roberto Cavalli slip dress for Valentine’s has only two strings holding it up

The Roberto Cavalli dress features a fluid, body-skimming silhouette that falls to a midi length. Its design blends bold leopard print with soft colour blocking in shades of lime green and pink. Thus creating a vibrant contrast against the classic animal pattern. The thin straps, just two strings, give the dress its barely there effect, highlighting her shoulders and neckline while keeping the look sleek and minimal.

Reese paired the dress with Christian Louboutin Rosa Z Calf Leather Jewel Detail Heeled Sandals 100, recognizable by their signature red bottoms. The transparent straps are adorned with colourful jewel embellishments, adding sparkle and complementing the dress’ playful tones. She completed the look with a Hermès mini Kelley bag in burgundy. Lastly, she wore gold jewelry sourced from Amazon, including chunky bangles and a statement necklace.

Reese styled her hair in neat, sculpted braids pulled back into a sleek updo, allowing her face and accessories to take center stage. The braided pattern added texture and detail. Her makeup appeared soft yet defined, complementing the dress’ boldness without overpowering it.

Known not only for her dominance on the court but also for her confident personal style, Angel Reese continues to merge fashion with her growing public presence. This Valentine’s Day ensemble proves she can command attention just as effortlessly as she does during game time.

The post Angel Reese’s Roberto Cavalli Slip Dress Is Literally Held by Two Strings appeared first on theFashionSpot.

Barcelona’s crushing 0-4 loss to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final has triggered a storm of reactions, and one of the most striking responses has come from a familiar face. 

Mateu Alemany, once a key sporting director at Barcelona and now holding the same role at Atletico Madrid, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the refereeing decisions in the match.

Given his past at the Catalan club, Alemany’s words carry added significance. He understands the internal environment at Barcelona and the way controversies are often handled at the club. 

Shots fired at Barcelona

Speaking recently, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Alemany made it clear that he was surprised by the direction of the discussion around the result. 

He suggested that the refereeing should not be the main talking point after such a heavy defeat.

“I find it curious that people are talking about the referees from Thursday’s game. I think that should be the least relevant thing. 

“In the other day’s match, there is only one action that is being questioned, which is an offside (in the goal that would have made it 4-1 in favour of Barcelona), and offsides, nowadays, are checked technologically. 

“It is objective and not open to interpretation,” he said.

What’s the context?

Barcelona were not happy with the refereeing decisions. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

His comments came after Barcelona formally complained to the RFEF and the referees’ committee, expressing concern over what they believe is an inconsistent use of technology and a lack of unified criteria in key decisions. 

The club felt that several calls in the match went against them, not just the disallowed goal.

Alemany, however, insisted that the offside call was clear and left no room for debate. 

“If it’s offside, there’s no such thing as slightly offside. It either is, or it isn’t. The same thing happened to us last Sunday (against Betis, with a goal by Antoine Griezmann), when we were also called offside by a very small margin. 

“If it’s close, it’s offside. There’s nothing more to say,” he added.

It must be noted that Barcelona’s frustration was not limited to the disallowed goal. 

In fact, the club also pointed to the red card shown to Eric Garcia, arguing that VAR did not even review a similar challenge by Giuliano Simeone on Alejandro Balde. 

That difference in treatment has become another key part of their complaint.