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Four Budget Strikers For Europe’s Top-Five Leagues & James Trafford At Manchester City 2025/2026

Four Budget Strikers For Europe’s Top-Five Leagues & James Trafford At Manchester City 2025/2026

Today, we have a recruitment analysis piece looking beyond Alexander Isak and Benjamin Šeško to find budget strikers from Europe's top-five leagues along with a player analysis on James Trafford at Manchester City in 2025/2026.

July 25, 2025

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Today’s TFA Posts ⚽

Beyond Alexander Isak & Benjamin Šeško: 4 Budget Strikers For Europe’s Top-Five Leagues 2025/2026 (Stassin, Piccoli, Mosquera, Bertaccini) Scout Report – Recruitment Analysis

If we look at the latest transfer rumours, it seems that everyone is talking about the same strikers: Viktor Gyökeres, Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, and Nick Woltemade.

It all makes sense, given that those names are usually linked with the big clubs.

But it’s also interesting to see what’s happening with the striker market outside of the big names.

We all know that big clubs aren’t the only ones who need strikers—medium, small, or weak clubs also need them.

Reports and rumours about it might not be making headlines, but a few European strikers could be of interest to clubs who don’t have much cash or are looking to save on transfers.

This article wouldn’t be specific to the younger ones either.

This list includes players who are currently at the top of their game in terms of age, so the market is pretty competitive.

Again, not every club focuses on the young or potential.

Sometimes, the one that fits into their budget is already over 23.

There’s nothing wrong with it, as long as the player matches their needs and style of play.

In this current market, there are many rumours about strikers who are being linked with big names.

Here are some budget-friendly strikers who could be an option for small or poor clubs in the top four European leagues.

Beyond Alexander Isak & Benjamin Šeško: 4 Budget Strikers For Europe’s Top-Five Leagues 2025/2026 (Stassin, Piccoli, Mosquera, Bertaccini) Scout Report – Recruitment Analysis

James Trafford At Manchester City 2025/2026 - Analysis

Manchester City are reported to be closing in on the signing of English goalkeeper James Trafford.

Trafford would arrive from Premier League newcomers Burnley, who signed the goalkeeper themselves from Manchester City in 2023.

This move further signals the start of a new era for Pep Guardiola, who, along with Hugo Viana, has conducted a genuine squad overhaul over the last year.

Trafford thrived in the EFL Championship and gained constant plaudits after a record-breaking season as the Clarets‘ number one.

However, is the 22-year-old Northerner ready to take over from Man City cult-hero Ederson, or is the move slightly premature from the former champions?

This article will conduct a thorough player analysis and scout report on James Trafford, analysing his strengths and areas for improvement to perform at the top level.

We will consider how James Trafford style of play may differ from Ederson and what new attributes he may bring to the club.