Manchester City may be about to move for a young keeper who could take the mantle from Ederson | OneFootball

Late this week a host of reports have emerged that Galatasaray are pushing hard to sign Ederson from Manchester City. If that move were to occur then City would be in the market for a new number-one goalkeeper. One player who left City for the opportunity to develop at Burnley two seasons ago was James Trafford. Trafford has developed as a goalkeeper at Burnley and has previously stated that his goal is to one day become Manchester City’s number-one keeper.

Now Fabrizio Romano has reported that City have held talks with James Trafford about returning to the Etihad. Perhaps Trafford could be on the verge of fulfilling his goal if Ederson leaves Manchester City this summer.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester City are considering bringing James Trafford back to the club.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported on X that Manchester City are considering bringing James Trafford back to the club. Furthermore, Romano reports that City will only pursue a move for Trafford is if Ederson or Stefan Ortega leave this summer. Romano adds that Manchester City do have a buy-back clause they can activate to bring Trafford back to the Etihad. Lastly, Romano reports that James Trafford’s expected move to Newcastle United hasn’t eventuated due to City’s interest in signing Trafford.

James Trafford has the potential to become Manchester City’s number-one goalkeeper for many years to come.

Since leaving Manchester City, James Trafford has established himself as a quality young goalkeeper. He did have a tough time during his first season at Burnley. Burnley were relegated from the Premier League in the 23/24 season and the defence in front of Trafford wasn’t of Premier League quality. He also looked like a young keeper finding his way in the Premier League during that particular season. But last season James Trafford starred in the Championship as Burnley secured promotion back to the Premier League. Trafford kept 29 clean sheets in 45 appearances in the Championship as his shot-stopping was a key part of Burnley’s success. Trafford’s overall presence and leadership in goal also helped Burnley have the strongest defence in the Championship last season. As a player, he now looks ready to make an impact at Manchester City.

If Ederson does leave City perhaps James Trafford is the goalkeeper they have in mind to take over as their number-one keeper. At 22 years of age, Trafford is seemingly ready to make the step up at City. He left the club as a promising young keeper and could return as a goalkeeper ready to make the number-one keeper role his own for years to come. But everything may depend on Ederson’s future. So both stories are now worth monitoring over the coming days to see what remains in store for the goalkeeping role in Pep Guardiola’s squad.