Goalkeeper is handed five-year contract
Trafford left for Burnley in 2023 for £14m
James Trafford has returned “home” to Manchester City from Burnley in a £27m deal after two seasons at Turf Moor. The goalkeeper has signed a five-year deal, with the option of a sixth, at the Etihad Stadium where he will battle with Ederson and Stefan Ortega to be first choice.
It was anticipated that Trafford would move to Newcastle, who have been tracking him over the past 12 months. City, however, used their matching rights clause, inserted when the goalkeeper left the club in 2023, to secure his services.
“Rejoining City is such a special and proud moment both for me and my family,” Trafford said. “I always dreamed that one day I would be able to come back to Manchester City. This is the place I call home – it’s a truly special football club with fantastic people who make it such a unique place to work and play.
