James Trafford to Rejoin Manchester City in £27 Million Deal

Manchester City have agreed to sign goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley. His medical is scheduled for early next week, as City prepare for changes in their goalkeeper lineup.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Manchester City will bring back their former academy goalkeeper, James Trafford, from Burnley for a reported fee of £27 million. Trafford, 22, left City for Burnley in 2023 but has now agreed to return. City activated their buy-back option below the original £40 million clause, beating Newcastle United, who had been close to signing Trafford earlier this summer. Trafford will likely complete his medical on Monday before the deal is finalized. The latest updates indicate that Burnley and Manchester City are discussing the transfer terms.

TRAFFORD’S RISE AND SEASON REVIEW

Trafford has impressed at Burnley despite the club’s recent relegation and subsequent promotion to the Premier League. He made 38 appearances last season, becoming one of Burnley’s standout performers. Notably, Trafford kept an impressive 30 clean sheets and conceded only 16 goals during the Championship season, which speaks volumes of his talent as he is regarded as one of England’s best young goalkeepers according to reports. Meanwhile, City finished the Premier League campaign in 3rd place and failed to win any title, something they want to fix urgently. Ederson started most matches, but reports suggest that either Ederson or Stefan Ortega could leave this summer. Trafford’s arrival points to imminent changes in the squad’s goalkeeping options.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR CITY AND WHAT’S NEXT

City are moving quickly in the transfer market as they look to remain competitive in England and in Europe. The club’s next game will be against Wolves for the 1st match in the new Premier League season, with the Citizens entering the new season seeking to reclaim their Premier League title after finishing 3rd last season. Arsenal finished second last season, just behind Livepool with a 10 points distance. When Trafford comes in, the attention will turn to whether Ederson or Ortega will leave, and if Trafford will compete for the starting position or serve as backup. Discussions surrounding Trafford’s transfer also hinge upon the futures of Ederson and Ortega at Manchester City, indicating potential shifts in the club’s goalkeeper dynamics as per recent updates.