James Trafford Set for Manchester City Return After £27m Agreement

Manchester City are about to re-sign English goalkeeper James Trafford. He will have his main medical tests today before moving from Burnley. City will pay £27 million, a big investment for a goalkeeper.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Trafford came from Manchester City‘s academy and was sold to Burnley in 2023 for £14 million. He performed well, helping Burnley win the Championship in the 2024/25 season. Both Manchester City and Newcastle agreed to pay a fee for Trafford, but City had a matching clause and decided to bring him back to Etihad. Trafford is expected to sign a five-year contract with a one-year option and compete with Ederson for the starting spot under Pep Guardiola. As Trafford is scheduled for medical tests today, the club is moving close to officially confirming his return, while Burnley are actively looking for Trafford’s replacement after his notable performances.

TRAFFORD’S AND TEAM’S RECENT PERFORMANCE

Trafford played a significant role in Burnley’s Championship title-winning campaign last season, helping the club return to the Premier League, where he kept an impressive 30 clean sheets and conceded only 16 goals during that time. His steady performances earned him a call-up to the England squad. Meanwhile, Manchester City finished second in the Premier League, narrowly missing out on the title last season. City’s defending was questioned, as neither Ederson nor Ortega convinced in big games. City are actively working to strengthen their squad and address this important issue. City’s next fixture is against newly-promoted Ipswich Town, with City trailing leaders Arsenal by two points in the early stages of the league.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BOTH CLUBS?

Once Trafford passes his medical and completes his move, he will officially begin training with Manchester City and press Ederson for the starting spot. Stefan Ortega is likely to leave the club in favour of regular playing opportunities elsewhere, while Burnley, who are back in the Premier League, have started the process of looking for a new No. 1 and are targeting Sam Johnstone as a potential replacement if Trafford departs. Burnley face Tottenham in their season opener and will hope to stabilize quickly after losing one of their key players. The return of Trafford will increase competition for places at City as the club looks to mount another title challenge.