In a breaking development, Manchester City are set to re-sign their former academy goalkeeper, James Trafford, from Burnley in a historic transfer, with the player scheduled to undergo his medical today.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the deal between the two clubs was agreed last week and is worth £27 million (around $36 million).
This fee is a landmark figure. As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, this transfer will make Trafford the most expensive British goalkeeper in football history—a remarkable achievement for the 22-year-old.
Trafford was on Manchester City’s books for eight years, from 2015 to 2023, but never made a single senior appearance for the club before making a permanent move to Burnley. His impressive performances for the Clarets have now convinced City to bring him back in a major deal.
This surprising move comes amid intense speculation about the future of City’s long-serving number one, Ederson, who has been heavily linked with a move to Galatasaray. While City had been exploring deals for international superstars like Diogo Costa and Gianluigi Donnarumma, they have instead opted to invest heavily in a homegrown talent.
Trafford’s record-breaking return to the Etihad is a huge statement of faith from the club in a player they developed. The move appears to be City’s definitive answer to their goalkeeping uncertainty as they prepare for the new season.