Manchester City in advanced talks over Burnley’s James Trafford | OneFootball

Officials at Manchester City are now in advanced talks over a transfer for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, according to new reports.

The 22-year-old stopper, who came through Manchester City’s Academy system before leaving for Turf Moor in 2023 in a deal worth up to £19 million, has remained closely monitored by Etihad Stadium officials.

Trafford’s return is being explored as part of a wider rethink within City’s goalkeeping department, with Ederson’s future uncertain and Stefan Ortega Moreno also drawing interest amid his own desire to become a first-choice option between the sticks.

Manchester City inserted both a sell-on clause and a buy-back option into James Trafford’s permanent switch to Burnley, safeguarding against his potential rise in value through development at Turf Moor.

Since working under Vincent Kompany and Scott Parker, Trafford has remained a highly rated long-term talent within Manchester, particularly due to his distribution and composure – traits City consider essential in their goalkeepers.

The need to revisit Trafford’s situation has been amplified in recent weeks by a growing feeling in various quarters that Ederson could be set for a switch to Galatasaray. FC Porto’s Diogo Costa remains admired but links have since been dismissed, while Michele Di Gregorio of Juventus has committed himself to the Italian giants.

Now, according to the information of journalist Sam C on X, Manchester City are believed to be in advanced talks over a move for the aforementioned Burnley goalkeeper and City Football Academy graduate.

While it is stressed that nothing is agreed with the Turf Moor club and the situation could still change, sources are said to have confirmed that there is a willingness to try and complete a deal for James Trafford before the end of July.

Trafford’s familiarity with City’s demands, tactical style, and training infrastructure makes him an attractive re-addition for Pep Guardiola’s staff. Crucially, City’s internal view is not solely shaped by his time at Burnley, having been left impressed by his previous loan spells away from the Etihad Stadium at Bolton Wanderers and Accrington Stanley.

If a return is finalised, Trafford may even immediately become Pep Guardiola’s new number one option in goal, perhaps depending on the view within the club concerning Stefan Ortega, presuming Ederson was to leave the club for Turkey in the coming days and weeks.

Manchester City’s decision to act now, rather than wait until closer to the summer transfer deadline, underlines the urgency with which they are addressing the goalkeeper department ahead of a season that could see significant flux.