Goalkeeper James Trafford has completed a return to Manchester City from Burnley in what is being described as a record-setting fee for a British shot-stopper. Burnley announced the transfer as their biggest sale and stated that the total value surpasses the £30m paid by Everton for Jordan Pickford in 2017.
While sources within Manchester City indicated the deal to be worth £27m plus add-ons, Burnley representatives claimed it was valued at £31m with additional bonuses and a future sell-on clause included. Trafford, who had initially left City for Turf Moor in July 2023 in a move that could reach £19m, rejoins the Premier League champions after one season.
The 22-year-old returns following interest from Newcastle, who submitted a £27m offer. Due to clauses in the original agreement, City had both buy-back rights and the option to match any external bid, which they exercised to bring the goalkeeper back to the Etihad Stadium. Trafford has signed a five-year deal with an option for a sixth and will wear the number one jersey.
Reflecting on the transfer, Trafford described the moment as “special” for himself and his family, adding that he has returned “a hundred times better” than when he departed. He referred to City as “home” and expressed his eagerness to develop further in the club’s environment.
Competition grows in City’s goalkeeping ranks
The England under-21 international joins a crowded goalkeeping department under Pep Guardiola. City now has four keepers on the books: Ederson, Stefan Ortega, Marcus Bettinelli, and the newly returned Trafford. The Brazilian, Ederson, who has been the regular starter since his arrival, is in the last year of his current deal and was recently linked to Galatasaray, although he dismissed most of those claims.
Despite no formal approach being made for Ederson, speculation continues regarding the position, especially with Ortega’s future in doubt. Trafford’s arrival increases competition, raising questions over potential changes in the pecking order ahead of the new season.
Trafford’s development since leaving City in 2023 has been notable. Last campaign, he made 45 appearances for Burnley in the Championship, keeping 29 clean sheets and earning a place in the league’s team of the season. Under Scott Parker, Burnley achieved promotion back to the top flight, with Trafford playing a key role.
In total, he featured 73 times for Burnley, including 28 top-tier games. Before that, he had spells on loan at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers. Though yet to earn his first senior England cap, he was part of the 2023 European Championship-winning under-21 side, going the entire tournament without conceding.
