Manchester City are set to re-sign English goalkeeper James Trafford for £27m, two years after he left to join Burnley.
The 22-year-old City academy graduate signed for the Clarets in July 2023 in deal worth up to £19m with add-ons.
He impressed last season as Scott Parker’s side won promotion back to the Premier League keeping 29 clean sheets across 45 Championship games and was named in the division team of the year.
City had a buy-back clause for Trafford but also matching rights, allowing them to match any offer from another club.
They have done so following a £27m bid from Newcastle and Trafford has opted for a return to Etihad Stadium.
He will be the fourth goalkeeper at City manager Pep Guardiola’s disposal, with Ederson, Stefan Ortega and Marcus Bettinelli already at the club.
It is anticipated Trafford will challenge Brazil international Ederson, who has been first-choice goalkeeper for eight years, for the number one spot.
Ederson is in the final year of his contract and has been linked with a move to Galatasaray but City haven’t received any bids for him yet, while there are doubts about German Ortega.
Trafford signed for City’s academy in 2015 but never made a first-team appearance and spent time on loan at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers.
Trafford is expected to sign a five-year contract at Etihad Stadium with the option for another year.
More to follow.
[BBC]