Manchester City are not playing cool in the transfer window as they look to hijack Newcastle United’s move for James Trafford, Softfootball reports.
The Cityzens are struggling to keep first choice goalie, Ederson who is being lured by huge money from Saudi Arabia and recently Galatasaray have joined the chase.
According to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City have a buy-back clause and may activate that option if Ederson leaves this summer.
🚨🔵 EXCL: Manchester City considering move for James Trafford to return to the club this summer…
…but only if one of their two main GKs leaves.
Contacts took place in the recent days as Man City have buy back clause, this is why Newcastle deal is not sealed yet. pic.twitter.com/YrBbdqLGVf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 18, 2025
Newcastle were close to a deal for the Burnley goalkeeper after agreeing a €20 million deal for the player
The 22-year-old English talent, who made 27 appearances for Burnley in the 2024/25 Championship season, keeping 10 clean sheets, has signed a contract with Newcastle until 2029. Magpies manager, Eddie Howe have been looking to strengthen the goalkeeping area of his squad.
The former Bournemouth manager believes that Trafford can effectively replace the aging Martin Dubravka and provide competition for Pope for the number one position.
Interestingly, Trafford spent his early career as an outfield player. At Carlisle he began as a midfielder but volunteered to become a goalkeeper at age 9.
He has been praised for his reflexes and distribution. He is noted for his ability to get clean sheets, breaking multiple records with Bolton Wanderers, Burnley and winning the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship with England without conceding a goal.
Softfootball reported earlier that Manchester City sold midfielder Maximo Perrone to Serie A side Como after he spent last season with Cesc Fabregas’ team. It would be interesting to see how many outgoings there would be at City this summer.
Manchester City finished third in the Premier League last season after previously winning the league five out of six times.
