In July 2023, two academy goalkeepers born a month apart left Manchester City for a chance to establish themselves elsewhere. Two years on, one has just returned to the Etihad for £27million, while the other is finally seeking lift-off in a loan spell with Barnet in League Two.

In their early years together in the City academy, James Trafford and Cieran Slicker rotated in goal in what was a stacked group of shot stoppers at the club. Gavin Bazunu was only seven months older than Slicker and eight months older than Trafford, while Louie Moulden, a month younger than Bazunu, was also involved.

It says a lot about City's ability to develop players that all four are still carving out careers for themselves. Moulden is competing for the No. 2 spot at Norwich City, Bazunu is back in goal at

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