Following two seasons at Turf Moor, James Trafford has returned home to Manchester City from Burnley in a £27 million transfer. At Etihad Stadium, the goalie has agreed to a five-year contract with a sixth-year option. He will compete with Stefan Ortega and Ederson for the starting position.
Newcastle United’s interest in Trafford was beaten by City, who bought the 22-year-old two years after allowing him to depart for Burnley. Throughout their promotion-winning season last year, Trafford kept an incredible 29 clean sheets in his 78 appearances throughout his two years at Burnley.
The England youth international joins City as their sixth summer acquisition and will don the starting number one shirt. Rejoining City is such a special and proud moment for both me and my family, Trafford stated. This is the place I call home—it’s a truly special football club with fantastic people who make it such a unique place to work and play. I always dreamed that one day I would be able to come back.
Man City re-signs goalkeeper Trafford from Burnley on five-year deal
According to sources who spoke to ESPN, City’s original strategy was to let go of either Éderson or Stefan Ortega before attempting to sign Trafford. According to sources who spoke to ESPN, City felt compelled to step up their efforts to sign Trafford after Newcastle made their offer last week.
Backup goalkeeper Ortega will be moved on, leaving Ederson and Trafford to compete for the starting position in Pep Guardiola’s squad, according to sources, as Ederson is set to remain at the Etihad despite Galatasaray’s interest. Given that Trafford was sold for £14 million two years ago, the City management believes the re-signing agreement ultimately cost the team only £13 million.
The city announced that Trafford would wear the number one jersey when they travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 16 to start their pursuit of a seventh Premier League title in nine seasons.
