Manchester City have sealed the transfer of English goalkeeper, James Trafford from Burnley for the coming season. Softfootball had reported how the English man was finalizing his move back to the Etihad.
James had first joined Manchester City in 2021 but could not make a name for himself as he was loaned out several times. He however also could not make his loan spells useful as he was hindered by injuries.
He eventually joined Burnley in 2023 where he made an impact with the club in the Premier League and also helped them gain instant promotion back to the topflight at first time of asking. He made a total of 73 matches for the Clarets.
According to journalist, Fabrizio Romano, The English U23 star has signed his papers. Fabrizio posted the updates on his verified X handle.
The post read:
“Manchester City and Burnley have signed all documents of £27m deal for James Trafford. Player set to sign today after medical on Monday. He’s the new #MCFC goalkeeper.“
According to Fabrizio, the English goalkeeper will sign a deal of 5 years with City with an option to extend till 2031.
The Burnley express reports that the total fee amounts of Trafford’s deal is up to £31m, plus add-ons and a sell-on, making Trafford the most expensive goalkeeper in British history. The previous record, held by Everton’s Jordan Pickford, stood at £30m. Pickford had joined Everton from Sunderland.
Trafford will compete highly for the number 1 shirt against Ederson if the Brazilian’s rumoured reports linking him to clubs outside City does not materialize. The Cityzens had brought in a new goalkeeper from Chelsea this summer as well as Scott Carson exited the club. City signed Marcus Bettinelli as third choice.
Trafford had impressed on national duties as he won the UEFA U21 Euros in 2023. Trafford will join Tijan Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Sverre Nypan and Bettinelli as the new players of the clubs.
