Official: Manchester City complete the signing of James Trafford from Burnley | OneFootball

Manchester City have today confirmed the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley. Trafford’s return to the club that he left in the summer of 2023 was confirmed on mancity.com. Jordan Campbell and Andy Jones have reported for The Athletic that City have paid Burnley £27 million to sign the promising young goalkeeper. The deal could rise to £31 million with add-ons as per the Athletic report.

James Trafford believed he would one day return to Manchester City.

In an interview with mancity.com, James Trafford explained that he believed he would one day return to Manchester City. Speaking on signing for City, Trafford explained: “I knew my journey would look different.”

“Throughout it, I always believed I would be coming back, and when I left on loan when I was 18, or when I left for Burnley when I was 20.“

“I always believed that one day I would be back and I worked hard to achieve this moment.“

“I always believed that I’d play for City and I knew the only person that could do that is me.”

“Now I’ve got this moment, I’ve just got to keep going.“

Now that Trafford is back at Manchester City the next step of his young career begins.

After leaving Manchester City in the summer of 2023 James Trafford has grown as a goalkeeper. He had a tough initiation to life at Burnley. As Vincent Kompany’s side were relegated during the 23/24 season life as a Premier League keeper didn’t go to plan for Trafford. But during Burnley’s successful 24/25 season, where they were promoted back to the Premier League, Trafford shone. He kept 29 clean sheets and only conceded 16 goals in 45 appearances. Trafford made a string of quality saves throughout Burnley’s season and his ability with the ball at his feet further developed. His strong 24/25 season put him in Manchester City’s sights and he rejoins City with the goal of becoming City’s number-one goalkeeper.

To accomplish that goal James Trafford must take Ederson’s place as City’s first-choice goalkeeper. But with his quality as a player, determination and self-belief, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see James Trafford become Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper at some point next season.