Manchester City will reportedly look to re-sign 22-year-old English shot-stopper James Trafford from newly promoted Premier League club Burnley this summer.
According to a report by Football Insider, James Trafford is the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Citizens are keen on bolstering their first-team squad by signing a goalkeeper in the summer transfer window. So, the 22-year-old Burnley shot-stopper has emerged as a target for the Premier League club.
The English giants are ready to formally open talks with the newly promoted Premier League club over a move to re-sign the Englishman in the summer transfer window. Trafford is the top target to replace Ederson Moraes, and they can secure his services by triggering a buyback clause worth £40 million.
James Trafford and his rise
James Trafford has established himself as one of the best young goalkeepers in the world since joining Burnley from Manchester City in July 2023. While the 22-year-old endured a challenging campaign in his debut season with the Clarets, he was exceptional last term and produced record-breaking numbers.
The English goalkeeper kept 29 clean sheets in 45 EFL Championship appearances while conceding only 16 goals in the 2024/25 season, helping the Clarets secure Premier League promotion. So, Trafford’s stock has soared, with Manchester City among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the summer transfer window.
Etihad return on the horizon?
Manchester City recently joined the battle to land James Trafford. The interest is understandable, considering Ederson Moraes faces an uncertain future at the Etihad amid his links with Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray. In addition, Stefan Ortega might leave Manchester City, with Burnley considering the German goalkeeper as a replacement for Trafford.
So, Trafford is a viable target for Manchester City, with the Premier League club ready to begin formal discussions to re-sign the 22-year-old Englishman in the summer transfer window. The Citizens view the youngster as the top target to replace Ederson, and they can secure his services by triggering a buyback clause worth £40 million.
However, with Manchester City ready to open formal talks to re-sign Trafford, they might not be willing to fork out £40 million to secure his services. Meanwhile, the English goalkeeper is keen on rejoining Manchester City in the summer transfer window, and a summer return may be on the cards.