Manchester City have opened an initial discussions over a potential move to bring former academy goalkeeper, James Trafford back to the Etihad, with the deal expected to be worth around £40 million, considering Ederson’s injury issues last season and Stefan Ortega entering potential exit territory.
The English goalkeeper, a product of City’s academy, joined Burnley in 2023 for €19 million including bonuses. City are now considering re-signing Trafford but hope to negotiate a lower fee than the one agreed in the original buy-back clause.
Despite Trafford never making a senior appearance during his time at the Etihad, the eight-time Premier League champions inserted a £40million buy-back clause in his Burnley contract.
Now, with Newcastle pushing hard for his signature this summer, City appear poised to activate it, potentially hijacking another Magpies deal according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
🚨🔵 More on James Trafford and Manchester City exclusive story.
Contacts between Man City and Burnley have already started as City want to negotiate fee lower than buy back clause worth £40m.
Deal also depends on Ortega or Éderson exit. pic.twitter.com/soOvaxdw1a
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2025
If the transfer goes through, Burnley will need to find a new first-choice goalkeeper. One of the names on head coach Scott Parker’s shortlist is 31-year-old Stefan Ortega from Manchester City.
The German keeper has made 56 appearances across all competitions in three seasons, mostly serving as backup to Ederson. Previously, Newcastle also targeted Trafford, offering €27 million with bonuses, but Burnley rejected the bid, but the club has made it clear they will not exceed internal financial guidelines to land the 22-year-old goalie.
While Trafford never made a senior appearance for City, a return to Etihad would be a symbolic full-circle moment for the goalie. He spent eight years at the club but never made his first-team debut, instead going on loan to Accrington and Bolton, where he impressed before moving permanently to Burnley.
From a Manchester City fan’s perspective, the idea of bringing James Trafford back makes both strategic and sentimental sense. At just 22, Trafford has grown significantly since leaving the Etihad and now represents a modern, confident keeper who could challenge for a long-term role under Guardiola.
