James Trafford: 3 Reasons Manchester City Moved Quickly After Burnley Success

Goalkeeper James Trafford has completed a stunning return to Manchester City from Burnley, in a deal that has set a new record for a British goalkeeper.

The transfer, which is valued at £31 million plus add-ons and a sell-on clause according to Burnley, eclipses the £30 million Everton paid for Jordan Pickford in 2017.

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Manchester City sources, however, claim the fee is £27 million plus add-ons. Regardless of the final figure, the move marks a significant statement from the Premier League champions, who activated their buy-back clause for the 22-year-old England international following interest from Newcastle United.

“Rejoining City is such a special and proud moment both for me and my family,” said Trafford.

“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,” he added. “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."

Trafford originally joined Manchester City’s academy in 2015 but never made a first-team appearance before signing for Burnley in July 2023 for up to £19 million.

His performances during the 2023-24 season, including a Championship-best 30 clean sheets and a record 12 consecutive shutouts, earned him a place in the Championship team of the year as Scott Parker’s Burnley secured promotion back to the Premier League.

Director of football Hugo Viana praised the goalkeeper’s development: “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 fully believe he will be really successful and a top goalkeeper for Manchester City and the national team.”

The five-year contract Trafford signed includes an option for a sixth season. He will wear the number one shirt as he competes with Ederson, Stefan Ortega, and Marcus Bettinelli for the starting role.

Trafford’s arrival may prompt a shake-up between the posts for City.

Ederson, who has held the number one spot since 2017, is in the final year of his contract and has been linked with Galatasaray, although he recently dismissed the rumours as “99% fake news.” Ortega, meanwhile, could see reduced opportunities and may consider a move.

Despite Trafford’s Championship heroics and an impressive save percentage of nearly 85% last season, he remains relatively inexperienced at Premier League level, with only 28 top-flight appearances.

His shot-stopping ability is proven, but his distribution is an area for improvement if he is to fit into Pep Guardiola’s system, which relies heavily on playing out from the back.

City averaged just 36 long passes per game compared to Burnley’s 55, and Trafford’s pass completion of 70% lags behind both Ederson and Ortega.

Nonetheless, City believes his return, one of six summer signings, is a long-term investment in both domestic and international success.