James Trafford is set to have his medical done on Monday, 28th June, Softfootball can report. This is the progress after an agreement has been reached between Burnley and City, as earlier captured by Softfootball.
Softfootball understands the deal has been completed under the terms of a buy-back clause set below £40 million, inserted when Trafford left the Etihad for Turf Moor last summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, he shared on X that the deal has been completed with both sides.
He wrote on X as follows:
More on exclusive story on James Trafford joining Manchester City: understand medical tests will take place early next week, main part on Monday.
Man City to pay £27m fee to Burnley for the goalkeeper, as revealed. 🧤 #MCFC
The 21-year-old goalkeeper is expected to return to the Etihad after just one season away, with the Premier League champions activating a buy-back clause worth just under £40 million. Trafford, who left City in 2023 to gain first-team experience, said yes after Pep Guardiola personally expressed interest in bringing him back.
The move comes amid increasing uncertainty over Ederson’s future. The Brazilian goalkeeper has attracted strong interest from Saudi Arabia, with Al Nassr and Al Ittihad reportedly preparing formal offers. While no deal has been agreed, Trafford’s return is seen as part of City’s contingency planning in case Ederson departs.
Trafford made 28 Premier League appearances for Burnley last season and was one of their standout performers despite relegation. He also played a key role in England’s U21 European Championship victory in 2023. His return adds to what has been a proactive summer for the treble winners.
Earlier in the window, City completed a deal for Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan. The Dutch midfielder adds depth and control to Guardiola’s options in the middle of the park.
In defence, Rayan Aït-Nouri joined from Wolves to offer cover and competition on the left flank. The Algerian full-back impressed last season and is expected to rotate with the returning Joško Gvardiol and Nathan Aké.
City also moved to strengthen their creative department by signing Rayan Cherki from Lyon. The 20-year-old Frenchman brings flair and unpredictability in attack and is widely regarded as one of Europe’s top young talents.
With Trafford coming in and the Ederson situation unresolved, City are keeping all options open. The club is expected to remain active in the market before the window closes, with a forward still on the list.
For now, Trafford becomes City’s sixth signing of the summer, having captured Bertinelli from Chelsea and young talent Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg.
He is expected to join the Manchester side as soon as possible, as Softfootball gathers that the talented goalkeeper has been booked for medical tests on Monday.
