Manchester City Confirms Re-Signing Of Goalkeeper James Trafford From Burnley

‎Manchester City have re-signed James Trafford from newly-promoted Burnley for £27 million.

‎Trafford has signed a five-year contract and chose to return to his former club over Newcastle. Manchester City also holds an option to extend the deal for an additional season.

‎City, who sold the 22-year-old to Burnley two years ago, activated the matching rights clause they put in that deal when Newcastle agreed a fee with the promoted club.

‎Trafford, a long-term target for Eddie Howe, elected not to join Newcastle at St James’ Park and instead chose to return to Manchester City, the former Premier League champions.

‎This marks another setback in a frustrating transfer window for the Magpies, who have already missed out on signings such as Hugo Ekitike, Bryan Mbeumo, Liam Delap, and Joao Pedro.

‎“Rejoining City is such a special and proud moment both for me and my family. I always dreamed that one day I would be able to come back to Manchester City,” said Trafford.

‎“This is the place I call home it’s a truly special football club with fantastic people who make it such a unique place to work and play.

‎“I am also very excited and honoured to have been allowed to work under Pep and with such a world-class group of players.

‎“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.

‎“I will do everything I can to help this great club look to achieve even more success.”

‎Trafford has been brought in to provide healthy competition for Ederson. Despite reports from Turkey that Ederson has agreed on personal terms with Galatasaray, City believe he will stay.

‎Ederson is entering the last year of his contract but remains a favorite of Pep Guardiola.

‎However, City expects his arrival to lead to the departure of Stefan Ortega. While the German is not close to a move, City anticipate there will be interest and that Ortega will not want to be the third-choice goalkeeper.

‎Trafford is Manchester City’s fifth signing of the summer, joining midfielders Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders, left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, and backup goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

‎His addition brings City’s summer spending to approximately £140 million, with their total expenditure in 2025 surpassing £300 million.