James Trafford: Man City re-sign England goalkeeper from Burnley

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Evening Standard

·29. Juli 2025

James Trafford: Man City re-sign England goalkeeper from Burnley

England shot-stopper has featured in the senior international squad

Manchester City have completed the signing of James Trafford from Burnley.

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City are re-signing one of their academy graduates, with Trafford departing the club for Turf Moor back in 2023 in search of regular first-team football.

City, who finished third in the Premier League last term, are reported to have paid a record fee for a British goalkeeper to land Trafford, believed to be £27million plus add-ons.

Now, the England youth international - who has featured in Thomas Tuchel’s recent England squads - has returned to the Etihad Stadium to add competition to Pep Guardiola’s goalkeeping department.

City currently have Ederson, Stefan Ortega, and Marcus Bettinelli on their books, and they signed Bettinelli earlier this summer as a third-choice option.

But the signing of Trafford adds a fourth body to their unit, which could raise question marks over the futures of Ederson and Ortega.

“Rejoining City is such special and proud moment both for me and my family,” Trafford said.

“I always dreamed that one day I would be able to come back to 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 City to help make me become the best goalkeeper I can be.”

Trafford signed for City at the age of 12, rising through their academy system before moving on loan to Accrington Stanley in 2021 to get his first proper taste of men’s football.

He then spent two consecutive seasons at Bolton Wanderers before moving to Burnley for a reported £19m in 2023, with the Clarets in the Premier League at the time.

He won the Championship Golden Glove last season, conceding just 16 goals in 46 games, which was a Football League record, as Scott Parker’s side bounced back to the top flight at the first time of asking.