Reports emerging suggest that Manchester City is already in advanced talks to re-sign James Trafford from Burnley Football Club, with Trafford himself open to the switch. The reigning Premier League champions are in discussions to lower the £40 million buyback clause that was inserted into Trafford’s contract when he departed the Etihad for Burnley in 2023. Negotiations have reportedly been advanced, but ultimately hinged on the City potentially offloading a current first-team goalkeeper.
Who is James Trafford?
James Trafford is a 22-year-old English goalkeeper who began his career in the youth ranks at Manchester City. Born on 10 October 2002, Trafford joined the City academy at age 12 and worked his way through the club’s ranks. He was highly rated, but did not manage to break into the first team at the Citizens. Instead, he had several loan spells, most notably to Accrington Stanley, before joining Bolton Wanderers on loan, before ultimately signing for Burnley on a permanent deal in the summer of 2023 for around £19 million.
Trafford has been called up to the senior national squad after being recognised as a part of the England U21 squad that won the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, and is one of the most highly-rated goalkeepers in the young English footballing contingent.
James Trafford’s Performance at Burnley Football Club
In what was a truly incredible season for goalkeeping in a season to remember, James Trafford had one of the greatest goalkeeping seasons in recent English football history. The statistics are staggering, and some are even record-breaking:
- Clean Sheets: 29 in 46 league appearances, equaling the all-time English full league record
- Goals Conceded: Only 16 all season, the fewest number of goals conceded across a season in EFL history.
- Save Percentage: 84.6% (stopping 88 out of 104 total shots)
- Goals Prevented (via Expected Goals): 12.78 over the season (an elite number)
- Durability: Played every minute of the season, helping Burnley finish 2nd in the Championship to achieve promotion, and accruing 100 points in the process.
Track-record performances also include over 1,000 minutes without conceding a goal, as well as a Championship Player of the Month award in January 2025. These numbers show clear evidence, not just in terms of consistency, but also being a match-winner himself.
Also Read: Wayne Hennessey Announces Retirement: Honouring a Legendary Burnley FC & Welsh Goalkeeper
You can visit the 96.com app for more updates related to Burnley FC season tickets or Burnley Betting.
Rumours Around Manchester City
Since Trafford’s time at Kelly, Manchester City has kept an eye on his development. Reports suggest the club is trying to negotiate with Burnley to re-sign him for a reduced fee, although the original £40 million buy-back clause appears to be a sticking point. However, both clubs look to be eager to resolve the situation.
Still, any transfer is contingent on Manchester City selling off a senior goalkeeper. Ederson has been linked to clubs in Saudi Arabia and Galatasaray, while Stefan Ortega shows signs of fizzling out away from Manchester City. Until one of them leaves Manchester City, Trafford’s transfer will be put on ice.
Earlier this summer, Newcastle United had shown general interest in Trafford and had reportedly agreed on personal terms, but having a long-term relationship with the player, combined with him being willing to return to his boyhood club, makes Manchester City the favourites to land at Trafford.
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Conclusion
James Trafford’s outstanding 2024–25 season with Burnley has refreshed Manchester City’s desire to bring their old academy talent back to the Etihad. With talks ongoing and the player seemingly keen to return, the only apparent issue is City’s current goalkeeper situation. If a deal happens, Trafford could become City’s long-term replacement in goal.
As the transfer window starts and the Premier League changes, fans will have the resources at their disposal through platforms such as the 96.com app to make sure they stay ahead in knowledge as well as odds. Watch Trafford and see what happens next.
