Manchester City have unveiled their former academy player, James Trafford as new goalkeeper for the club. The Cityzens bargained on a buy back clause in Trafford’s contract to bring back the English man from Burnely.
Softfootball had reported how City and Burnley negotiated the price of Trafford’s deal below the valuation of Burnley for the goalkeeper. The Clarets had valued Trafford at £40m but eventually agreed to £27m offered by City.
Trafford had helped Burnley to gain promotion from the Championship last season kept a total of 31 clean sheets in 78 matches for the Clarets. He played 45 matches last term for the Brown and Blue team.
Upon completion of his move back to city, the goalkeeper was given a rousing welcome back to the club. His unveiling video saw a mixture of a young Trafford learning the ropes with an already grown and mature goalkeeper. City unveiled him with a video posted across their social media handles.
Watch below Trafford’s unveiling video as posted on City’s official verified X handle.
Speaking with the club media in an interview, the goalkeeper was full of high spirit with his return to the club. He explained his happiness and this was destined to be his journey.
He said:
Yeah it’s obviously extremely unique for this to happen and it’s just my journey.
Everyone’s journey is different but I’m proud of myself for doing it.
They’re [City] obviously one of the best teams in the world. The most successful team over the last 10 years and it’s something I’m really excited for.
I’m excited to see everyone again and I can’t wait to get to work with all the lads and just improve myself.
The 22 year old will compete with club’s first choice Ederson, if the Brazilian is not exiting the club this summer. Softfootball had earlier reported that Galatasaray were interested in the goalkeeper. However, Stefan Ortega has been told he is free to leave the club this summer.
Ortega has been the second choice goalkeeper for Manchester City since 2022.
