James Trafford’s Manchester City medical date revealed to finalise £27 million transfer | OneFootball

Manchester City are set to welcome returning goalkeeper James Trafford to the club early next week to finalise his various medical tests ahead of completing a switch.

The 22-year-old shot-stopper will return to familiar surroundings after the club activated a ‘matching clause’ in his Burnley contract to bring him back to the Etihad Stadium in the coming days.

Trafford, who initially left Manchester City for Burnley in 2023, had been the subject of serious interest from Newcastle United over the last few months, with St James’ Park officials submitting a £27 million bid in recent days.

That offer triggered City’s contractual right to match the proposal, which they did just one hour before the clause expired. Trafford had already been engaged in positive discussions with City officials by the time Newcastle returned with their increased offer, making the decision straightforward for the Etihad club.

The goalkeeper has now agreed terms on a five-year deal back at Manchester City, with the option of a further 12 months, while the transfer itself not only represents a strategic swoop, but a signal of City’s long-term planning.

While Ederson is set to remain as the club’s number one for the forthcoming 2025/26 season, the Brazilian’s contract expires next summer, and Trafford is being viewed as the candidate to take the reins in the years to come.

Now, according to the information of market insider Fabrizio Romano, the latest information is that James Trafford is due to undergo his Manchester City medical tests early next week, with the main part taking place on Monday.

City’s decision to act when they did is also motivated by uncertainty surrounding Stefan Ortega’s future. The German goalkeeper has been keen on a move that would see him become a first-choice starter elsewhere, but no deal is yet close.

Should Ortega secure a transfer before the window closes, Trafford would step into the number two role behind Ederson for the coming season, gaining vital experience under Pep Guardiola before a more permanent transition next year.

Trafford’s familiarity with City’s setup – from his years in the academy to multiple loan spells monitored by the club – means he arrives well-prepared for the demands of a Pep Guardiola-managed side, while his return will be welcomed by coaching staff.

The next few days will now be focused on medical assessments and final paperwork, and should all go to plan, Trafford could feature in City’s only pre-season friendly against Palermo on Saturday 9 August – one week before their Premier League opener away to Wolves.

In the longer term, Trafford’s reintegration may mark the beginning of a new era between the sticks at Manchester City. With Ederson likely to move on next summer, the club’s hierarchy view Trafford’s return as a proactive move, and one that ensures their goalkeeping succession plan is firmly in place well ahead of time.