It is no surprise to see a young keeper want to come back home to Manchester City | OneFootball

When young keeper James Trafford left Manchester City for Burnley in the summer of 2023 he did so with the goal of one day returning to the club to become City’s number-one keeper. In an interview on Fozcast – The Ben Foster Podcast last month, Trafford explained that his goal was to one day become City’s first-choice goalkeeper. Now, with City being heavily linked with a move for Trafford, it is no surprise to see the young goalkeeper prefer to come home over any other potential move.

James Trafford is eager to return to Manchester City.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that James Trafford is keen on a move to Manchester City. Furthermore, Romano reports that Trafford has accepted a move back to Etihad. Romano further reports that Trafford’s move to City is dependent on Ederson or Stefan Ortega leaving the club. Lastly, Romano reports that City are currently negotiating with Burnley to pay less than the £40 million buy-back clause they currently hold.

James Trafford has always wanted to become Manchester City’s number-one keeper.

As mentioned above, James Trafford has previously spoken about his goal to become Manchester City’s first-choice keeper. Speaking on the Fozcast, he explained how his move to Burnley unfolded. Trafford explained: “And I was like, yeah, I want to go to the Premier League. Like I said, I wanted to play for Manchester City, and who doesn’t want to be Manchester City’s number one? I believe I could be.”

“But obviously at this moment in time, I’m not going to say that I want to be X, Y, and Z, because I obviously have to prove myself and get better.”

“And I think this was the best for me. And he (Man City goalkeeper coach) was like, yeah, I agree. Like, this is the best thing for you. So it was quite simple in that way, just me and the goalie coach speaking like that.”

Obviously, James Trafford’s return to Manchester City is dependent on Ederson or Stefan Ortega leaving the club. But it is doubtful that City would move for Trafford if they didn’t have an inkling that one of their current keepers was about to depart. But back on point, Trafford has stated his career goal. He has seemingly turned his back on Newcastle’s interest in signing him to come home. Craig Hope has previously reported for the Daily Mail that Newcastle are set to move on from signing Trafford as Manchester City’s interest in signing the young keeper intensifies.

But that doesn’t come as a surprise and nor should it. James Trafford has been public with his goal of becoming City’s number-one keeper. The moment City showed an interest in bringing him back to the club there was only one outcome. Provided that Ederson or Stefan Ortega leave City James Trafford will have an opportunity to fulfil that goal if his return to Manchester City eventuates. That was always his career goal and it’s no surprise that he will jump at the opportunity to fulfil it if it comes to fruition.