Revealed: Manchester City offered player-plus-cash deal to Burnley for James Trafford | OneFootball

Manchester City had proposed a player-swap deal when negotiating with Burnley for James Trafford, a new report has claimed this week.

Trafford left Manchester City in the summer of 2023 in search of regular Premier League minutes and developing his career as a mainstay number one between the posts, but has now completed his return with the club seeing long-term value in the 22-year-old stopper.

James Trafford’s development during his time with Burnley, despite a challenging single season for the Clarets in the top-flight, was still closely monitored by Etihad Stadium bosses largely owing to their favourable buy-back and sell-on clauses in his contract.

Manchester City officials were particularly impressed by the goalkeeper’s performances in Burnley’s promotion push in the Championship last season alongside his mature mentality, prompting a firm decision to re-integrate him into Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad.

Crucially, Trafford’s arrival feeds into wider uncertainties within the Manchester City goalkeeping department, with Stefan Ortega Moreno – who has served as Ederson’s deputy over the past three seasons – considering his future amid interest from clubs offering him a first-choice role elsewhere.

According to the information of journalist Alan Nixon, Burnley made a £12.8 million profit on James Trafford by selling him back to Manchester City, picking up a total of £31 million, with £3.2 million paid back to the Etihad Stadium as a 20 per cent sell-on of the £16 million profit.

It is explained that Burnley plan to spend their cash on three new additions to Scott Parker’s squad with the likelihood that Trafford’s replacement will be relatively cheap, while the bulk is expected to be spent on a striker.

From the side of Manchester City, the report claims that recruitment bosses at the Etihad Stadium had offered second-choice goalkeeper Stefan Ortega as part of the deal for James Trafford, but Burnley did not align with that vision.

While the Ortega component of the offer was seemingly ignored, the revelation itself reinforces Manchester City’s openness to reshuffling their goalkeeping options this summer.

Stefan Ortega’s future remains unresolved as of now, and with Ederson subject to continued interest from Galatasaray, James Trafford’s return is believed to be part of a wider long-term reshaping.

Looking ahead, much will depend on how the coming weeks unfold in the transfer market. If Ortega remains at the Etihad Stadium, Trafford may find himself in a three-way battle for the gloves. However, should Ortega depart as anticipated, Trafford will become Ederson’s main challenger, particularly given his potential and the No.1 shirt being handed to him.

Manchester City’s internal commitment to James Trafford is clear, with the shirt number decision symbolising long-term trust. Whether that manifests in significant game time this season or simply a gradual development plan behind the scenes remains to be seen.