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Manchester City are all set to bring goalkeeper James Trafford back to their squad after two years as the illustrious English club are heading to sign the goalie for £27 million. In July 2023, he left City to join Burnley on a transfer sum of £19 million. Trafford did a fine job for Burnley in the previous season as Scott Parker’s team got promoted to the Premier League. James kept 29 clean sheets after 45 Championship contests.
His name also appeared in the Championship division team of the year. Noting Trafford’s bright form, City are set to utilise a buy-back clause to bring the English player back to the squad. Apart from the buy-back clause, City also could make use of matching which permitted them to match any offer from another club.
Trafford has played a lot of football in City. Before joining the senior side, he also gave his six-year youth career to Man City from 2015 to 2021. This time, he is expected to stitch a five-year contract with the club at the Etihad Stadium, with the option for another year. After the completion of his return process, he will become the fourth player in City as Pep Guardiola’s club has already reserved the services of Ederson, Stefan Ortega and Marcus Bettinelli.
James Trafford expected to pose a challenge for Ederson
James Trafford is expected to emerge as a challenge for Ederson, who has been the first-choice goalie for eight years in the distinguished English club. Ederson’s contract has entered the final year this month and there have been reports regarding that he is pondering moving to Galatasaray. However, the Brazilian called these reports rumours.
Talking about Trafford’s record, he has served England U17 to U21 levels and was also a member of the victorious European U21 Championship 2023 squad. In the success, he kept six clean sheets and also didn’t concede a goal. In 2024, he also received his maiden senior call-up for England but hasn’t got a chance to make his international debut yet. Discussing his two-year stint with Burnley, he has played 73 matches which also included 28 outings in the Premier League 2023-24 edition.
