Goalkeeper, James Trafford has re-joined Manchester City from Burnley in a £27 million transfer.
Trafford left City to join Burnley in July 2023 and kept just two clean sheets across 28 appearances in his first season for the Clarets as they were relegated from the Premier League.
The 22-year-old however rebounded with 29 clean sheets in 45 Championship appearances last season as Burnley were automatically promoted as runners-up, having missed out on the title to Leeds on goal difference.
His performances ultimately caught Newcastle’s eye and after extensive negotiations following a failed attempt last summer, the Magpies were close to securing Trafford until City activated their buy-back clause and matching rights which allowed them to match Newcastle’s £27 million bid.
Despite facing tough competition against Ederson and Stefan Ortega for the first-choice goalkeeper role at City, Trafford has signed a five-year contract until June 2030 with an option for a further year, which could see him stay at the Etihad Stadium until June 2031.
“Rejoining City is such special and proud moment both for me and my family,” explained Trafford who had dreamed that he would get a chance to return and prove his talent.
“I always dreamed that one day I would be able to come back to Manchester City.
“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 am also so very excited and honoured to have been given the opportunity to work under Pep and with such a world-class group of players.
“I am still very young and hungry to keep learning and improving – and I know there is no better environment than Manchester City to help make me become the best goalkeeper I can be.
“I also cannot wait to play in front of the amazing City fans for the first time and will do everything I can to help this great club look to achieve even more success.”
Trafford began his career at Cockermouth before he moved to Carlisle United’s academy where he switched from midfield to goalkeeper position, prior to a move to City in August 2015 where he graduated through their academy but failed to make a single senior appearance.
He however spent the first half of 2021-22 season on loan at Accrington Stanley before he joined Bolton in January 2022 for the second half of that season, followed by a full season-long loan in 22-23 season at the Trotters.
During his time at Bolton, Trafford helped the Trotters win 2022-23 EFL Trophy and kept 33 clean sheets in 72 appearances across both loan stints.
Trafford represents England at international level having risen through the youth ranks, during which he became the first goalkeeper to keep six clean sheets as the Young Lions won 2023 UEFA Under-21 Euro, before he received his first senior call-up in March 2024.
The 22 year-old has since been part of the Three Lions squad but is yet to make his senior international debut.
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