Manchester City sign a familiar face

Transfer News | James Trafford rejoins Manchester City from Burnley

The Clarets have confirmed Trafford’s transfer to City is a record-breaking deal for a British goalkeeper.

Author | Macca

While City sources value the move at £27m plus add-ons, Burnley believe the package is worth £31m with additional clauses, including a future sell-on. If accurate, that would eclipse the £30m Everton paid Sunderland for Jordan Pickford in 2017.

Trafford, 22, came through City’s academy before joining Burnley for up to £19m in July 2023. 

He played a pivotal role in their immediate return to the Premier League, keeping 29 clean sheets in 45 games and earning a place in the Championship team of the year under Scott Parker.

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Burnley described the transfer as both a club record sale and a record fee for a British goalkeeper. City activated a buy-back clause after Newcastle submitted a £27m offer, triggering matching rights. Trafford has now agreed a five-year deal with the option of a sixth, and will wear the number one shirt at the Etihad.

A closer analysis of City's goalkeeping situation

James Trafford becomes the fourth senior goalkeeper in Pep Guardiola’s squad, joining Ederson, Stefan Ortega and Marcus Bettinelli at Manchester City.

Trafford is expected to compete with Brazil international Ederson, who has held the number one role for the past eight years. Ederson, 31, is entering the final year of his contract and has been linked with a move to Galatasaray, though he dismissed most of the speculation last month as “99% fake news”.

City have not received any offers for Ederson, but Trafford’s return adds further uncertainty to the future of Ortega, who may see his opportunities limited with increased competition.

A product of City’s academy, Trafford joined in 2015 but never made a senior appearance, spending loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers. He made 73 appearances for Burnley, including 28 in the Premier League last season.