Manchester City have finally hit a breakthrough with the signing of their former academy goalkeeper, James Trafford from Burnley. Softfootball understands that Burnley and City had been on loggerheads over the transfer fee of the Englishman.
City had been in search of a goalkeeper since the reports that Brazilian star, Ederson might be looking for a new challenge out the Etihad stadium. Galatasaray have been the most serious out of the clubs linked to Ederson’s exit from City.
City had been looking at erstwhile German international, Marc-André ter Stegen has the ideal replacement for Ederson but the goalkeeper refused to leave Barcelona and decided to solve his back injury problems with a surgery.
This made Pep Guardiola’s team to return for their former academy man who they had a buy back clause on. The 22 year old Trafford joined City at age 15 after he had began his career at Cockermouth and Carlisle United.
After 6 years, Trafford was sent on loan to Accrington Stanley in July 2021 at the age 18 but the loan spell did not go well as he was faced with lots of injuries. He then further went on loan again to Bolton Wanderers before he joined Burnley permanently replacing then goalkeeper, Nick Pope.
Trafford has seen Burnley back to the Premier League and will now be the goalkeeper of title challenging side in Manchester City.
Confirming the transfer of the goalkeeper from Burnley to City, Fabrizio Romano posted on his verified X handle – Here We Go – on the Trafford news.
Fabrizio wrote:
“EXCLUSIVE: Manchester City agree deal to sign James Trafford as new goalkeeper, here we go!
“Deal in place with Burnley under value of £40m buy back clause. Trafford said yes to Man City as Pep Guardiola wanted him.
“Newcastle are also informed about Trafford’s decision.
City had also bought Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea on a one-year deal. The 33-year-old was brought in as replacement for third choice, Scott Carson who exited the club in June.
