Manchester City sign Burnley’s James Trafford to set new British goalkeeper transfer record | OneFootball

Premier League giants Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Burnley and England international goalkeeper James Trafford.

The 22-year-old’s long-awaited return to the Etihad Stadium brings an end to a relatively swift negotiation following a breakout two seasons with Burnley and rise on the international stage within England’s youth setup.

James Trafford had been widely tipped for a high-profile switch this summer, with Manchester City and Newcastle United emerging as the two primary contenders to secure his signature in a big-money agreement.

City’s advantage in the race came through a smartly-structured matching clause agreed during Trafford’s initial £19 million move to Turf Moor, ultimately allowing the Etihad club to match Newcastle United’s proposal without entering a full bidding war.

Now, following official confirmation from both Manchester City and Burnley, James Trafford becomes the fifth first-team signing at the Etihad Stadium during the ongoing summer transfer window penning a five-year deal until 2030 with the option of a further 12 months.

Sporting director Hugo Viana opted to match a Newcastle’s bid of £27 million to sign the 22-year-old via a matching clause established in the player’s contract when he moved to Turf Moor in the summer of 2023.

There have been reports that Trafford understands that he will take on the position of back-up choice goalkeeper initially at City, with Ederson expected to remain at the club this summer and Stefan Ortega due to leave – despite no deal advanced for the German at this stage.

From a records book standpoint, reports prior to this week’s official unveiling also stated that the total package agreed between Manchester City and Burnley for James Trafford will become a new record transfer fee for a British goalkeeper – surpassing Jordan Pickford at £30 million.

Those reports were finalised on Tuesday, as reports from MailSport’s Mike Keegan indicated a £31 million package agreed between Manchester City and Burnley for Trafford, with that fee inclusive of potential add-ons and adding on a sell-on clause.

Reacting to his move back to the Etihad Stadium, James Trafford said, “Rejoining City is such special and proud moment both for me and my family. 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.”

He continued, “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.”

Sporting director Hugo Viana said, “James is already one of the most accomplished young goalkeepers in the English game, and we are delighted to welcome him back to Manchester City.

“He has all the attributes a top-class goalkeeper requires. We feel he is an ideal fit for this squad and will bring great quality to the goalkeeping department. We fully believe he will be really successful and a top goalkeeper for Manchester City and the national team.

“I also have no doubt that working with Pep and the technical staff here at City will only see James further develop his abilities.”

The signing also underlines City’s long-term thinking around their goalkeeping department. Trafford is highly regarded internally not only for his shot-stopping and distribution, but also for his mentality and leadership – characteristics that Pep Guardiola has consistently prioritised in his recruitment.

This latest development could also have significant implications for the futures of others, as Stefan Ortega remains open to a move where he can be a guaranteed number one, and with interest from Bundesliga clubs and other European sides, an exit is still very much on the table in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Ederson – the subject of repeated Saudi Pro League interest over the past 18 months – is expected to stay for the 2025/26 campaign but has yet to commit beyond that, amid confirmed interest from Turkish champions Galatasaray.

With James Trafford now in place, Manchester City are now well positioned regardless of how their goalkeeper situation evolves over the next 12 months. Whether Ederson departs in 2026 or Ortega moves this summer, City have a long-term succession plan secured.

James Trafford will wear the No.1 shirt at Manchester City, the Club have confirmed.