James Trafford completes Manchester City return | OneFootball

James Trafford completes Manchester City return | OneFootball

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·29 July 2025

James Trafford completes Manchester City return

Article image:James Trafford completes Manchester City return

James Trafford has made his return to Manchester City, signing a five-year contract after leaving Burnley.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper cost City £27 million, just two years after they sold him to the Clarets for £14 million. That fee makes him the most expensive British keeper in history.


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Trafford had an outstanding season with Burnley, playing a major part in their promotion back to the Premier League under Scott Parker. He only let in 16 goals in 45 Championship matches and managed a record-breaking 29 clean sheets.

The England U21 international will now be battling Ederson for the number one spot at the Etihad, with Pep Guardiola keeping a close eye on his progress.

Speaking about his return to Man City, Trafford said: “Rejoining City is such special and proud moment both for me and my family.

“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.

“I am also so very excited and honoured to have been given the opportunity to work under Pep and with such a world-class group of players.

“I am still very young and hungry to keep learning and improving – and I know there is no better environment than Manchester City to help make me become the best goalkeeper I can be.

“I also cannot wait to play in front of the amazing City fans for the first time and will do everything I can to help this great club look to achieve even more success.”

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