
EPL Index
·22 Juli 2025
City Academy Graduate Could Return in£40m Summer Deal

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·22 Juli 2025
Manchester City’s grip on youth development is once again proving influential, with James Trafford reportedly “very keen” to return to the Etihad, as per sources revealed by Football Insider. Trafford, who departed City in 2023 for Burnley in a £15million move, appears ready to make his way back to his boyhood club just two years later. Newcastle United had hoped to seal the deal, but City’s late intervention may now dash those hopes.
“Newcastle are also in advanced negotiations for the England Under-21 international, but sources say that the Etihad is now his most likely destination.”
City’s attraction is clear. Trafford came through the club’s academy ranks and remains highly rated, not just for his shot-stopping abilities but also his calm distribution and big-match temperament.
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The £40million buy-back clause inserted when Trafford was sold to Burnley could now be activated, but City are reportedly eager to negotiate a fee below that figure.
“Man City have a £40m buy-back clause for Trafford, which was inserted in the deal when he was sold to Burnley back in the summer of 2023.”
It is a negotiation Burnley know how to manage. They have already turned down a £27million bid from Newcastle, and the same firmness is expected with City.
“Burnley were demanding a huge sum from Newcastle to acquire the services of Trafford, and they are expected to take the same stance with Man City.”
For a goalkeeper with 28 Premier League starts in 2023-24, even amid relegation, and 29 clean sheets the season prior in their promotion campaign, Burnley’s valuation holds weight.
“Last season, Trafford kept a staggering 29 clean sheets as Burnley were promoted back to the top-flight, including a run of over 1000 minutes without conceding a single goal.”
Newcastle’s initial interest was serious, but if Trafford’s heart is set on City, they may be forced to move on.
“The Magpies had a bid of £27m for the shot-stopper turned down by Burnley in June, and they could now miss out on the deal completely.”
With Trafford’s preference now made clear, it would take a significant shift for Newcastle to recover their position.
This is what dreams are made of. James Trafford returning to Manchester City feels like a homecoming steeped in smart planning. When City sold him in 2023, inserting a buy-back clause was not just smart business, it was strategic foresight. Now, with Ederson facing increased competition and Ortega eyeing more minutes, bringing back a 22-year-old England Under-21 international makes complete sense.
He has already shown he can handle pressure, keeping 29 clean sheets in Burnley’s 2022-23 promotion push, including that jaw-dropping 1000-minute run without conceding. He then gained vital Premier League experience last season, starting 28 games even as Burnley struggled.
What’s not to love for City fans? A City Academy product, hungry to return, with a point to prove. His maturity and calm presence in goal could set him up as a long-term successor to Ederson. “Very keen” is the phrase reported by Football Insider, and it resonates with fans who want players who care about the badge.
The only snag is the price. While £40m is steep, the club will hope to drive that number down. And in fairness, if Newcastle are being priced out, it clears the way for a reunion that now feels inevitable. Let’s get it done.
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