James Trafford Rejoins Manchester City from Burnley in £27.5m Deal

Manchester City have re-signed goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley after triggering a £27.5 million buy-back clause, according to reports from British media.

The 22-year-old England youth international returns to the Etihad Stadium, having previously left the club in 2023 without making a senior appearance. His move back comes after a mixed spell at Turf Moor, where he initially struggled as Burnley suffered relegation from the Premier League.

Despite a challenging start, Trafford made a remarkable comeback last season, equalling an English football record with 29 clean sheets to help Burnley secure promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

Speaking on his return, Trafford said:
"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’m still very young and hungry to keep learning and improving — and I know there’s no better environment than Manchester City to help me become the best goalkeeper I can be.

"I’ll give everything I’ve got to help this great club strive for even more success."

City manager Pep Guardiola opted to rotate his goalkeepers last season, with first-choice Ederson dropped on several occasions in favour of Stefan Ortega.

Trafford is expected to compete directly with Ederson for the starting spot and has been handed the number one shirt upon his return.

He becomes City’s sixth signing of the current transfer window. The club finished third in the Premier League last season, falling short in their pursuit of a fifth consecutive league title as Liverpool claimed the crown.

New recruits Rayan Aït-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, Marcus Bettinelli, Rayan Cherki, and Sverre Nypan have already joined the squad ahead of the new campaign.