Manchester City Re‑Signs James Trafford from Burnley in £27 Million Deal

Manchester City has officially re‑signed England Under‑21 goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley, confirming a deal valued at £27 million . The 22‑year‑old has signed a five‑year contract, with an option to extend it for an additional year, keeping him at the Etihad Stadium until at least 2030 .

Trafford returns to City—where he emerged from the academy—after initially departing in 2023. In his two-year spell at Burnley, he featured in 45 matches, kept a record‑equalling 29 clean sheets, and conceded just 16 goals in the Championship, helping Burnley secure promotion back to the Premier League . Notably, he broke the Championship record with 12 consecutive clean sheets, solidifying his reputation as one of English football’s most promising young goalkeepers .

City activated a matching‑rights clause negotiated during his 2023 transfer, foregoing Newcastle’s advances and securing Trafford’s return to a club he regards as 'home' . He is poised to compete for the No. 1 jersey alongside Ederson, as Stefan Ortega is widely expected to depart .

On his return, Trafford commented:

> “Rejoining City is such a special and proud moment … I always dreamed that one day I would be able to come back to Manchester City … I am still very young and hungry to keep learning and improving.”  

Director of Football Hugo Viana praised the signing, noting Trafford’s composure, technical ability, and significant potential: “James is already one of the most accomplished young goalkeepers in the English game … we feel he is an ideal fit for this squad” .

This move marks Manchester City’s sixth signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Aït‑Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Sverre Nypan, and Marcus Bettinelli .