Club set to bring Burnley goalkeeper back to the Etihad in £27m Deal
Manchester City have reached an agreement to bring James Trafford back to the Etihad Stadium, hijacking Newcastle United’s attempt to sign the Burnley goalkeeper.
City will pay £27m for the England international, who spent last season at Turf Moor. Trafford is expected to sign a five-year contract with an option for an additional year.
Newcastle had first shown interest in the player and made a formal bid of £27m to Burnley earlier this week. But a clause in Trafford’s original transfer to Burnley in 2023 required them to inform City of any serious bids.
It gave Pep Guardiola’s side the opportunity to match the terms.
With the two clubs interested in his services, Trafford chose to return to City, where he originally developed in the club’s academy system before leaving two years ago in search of regular minutes.
Sources close to the deal said City initially intended to bring Trafford back only after selling either one of their current goalkeepers, Ederson and Stefan Ortega. But Newcastle’s move forced City to act sooner than planned.
Trafford left City for Burnley in 2023 in a deal worth £14m. He received his first call up to the England senior squad last year after an impressive run with the U21s, although he is yet to make his debut for the team.
