James Trafford has officially returned to Manchester City from Burnley in a £27 million deal, becoming Pep Guardiola’s sixth signing of the 2025 summer transfer window. After two seasons at Turf Moor, the young England goalkeeper is back at the Etihad Stadium to compete for the No. 1 shirt, fulfilling a long-standing personal dream.
Manchester City’s move to re-sign James Trafford comes after Newcastle United had agreed a £31 million fee with Burnley. However, City exercised a matching clause that had been inserted in the 2023 deal when Trafford first left the club. Because of a sell-on clause in that initial agreement, the reigning FA Cup holders will only pay £27 million net.
James Trafford Transfer Summary
- Player: James Trafford
- Age: 22
- Position: Goalkeeper
- From Club: Burnley
- To Club: Manchester City
- Transfer Fee: £27 million (net), rising to £31 million (total)
- Contract Length: 5 years with an additional 1-year option
- Shirt Number: No. 1
- Previous Spell at City: 2015–2023 (from youth to senior level)
- National Team: England U21
- Key Stat: 29 clean sheets in the 2024/25 Championship season
James Trafford’s Career Journey
James Trafford began his career at Manchester City’s youth academy in 2015, joining from Carlisle United at the age of 12. Though he never made a senior appearance for the club, he was involved with the first-team setup and learned from established players like Ederson. Loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers helped him develop, but the real breakthrough came when he moved permanently to Burnley in 2023 for £14 million.
Under Vincent Kompany, Trafford was Burnley’s first-choice goalkeeper in the Premier League. However, the club struggled during the 2023/24 season, resulting in his temporary demotion. Trafford bounced back brilliantly, producing a historic season with 29 clean sheets and just 16 goals conceded across 45 appearances in the Championship, guiding Burnley back to the top flight.
Now 22, Trafford is considered one of the brightest young goalkeepers in England. He was a standout performer in England’s Under-21 European Championship-winning campaign in 2023, saving a penalty in the final and earning plaudits for his composure.
Why Manchester City Re-Signed James Trafford
The decision to bring James Trafford back to the Etihad was rooted in strategic planning. When City sold him to Burnley in 2023, they included a matching clause and a sell-on fee clause, giving them an edge in case they ever wanted to re-sign him. Newcastle’s move prompted City to act quickly.
Sporting director Hugo Viana explained that Trafford is a great fit for Guardiola’s squad. “James is already one of the most accomplished young goalkeepers in the English game. We feel he is an ideal fit for this squad,” Viana said. “We fully believe he will be really successful and a top goalkeeper for both Manchester City and the national team.”
Trafford expressed his joy at rejoining Manchester City, calling the club “home.” He said: “Rejoining City is such a 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.”
He added that he is excited to work under Guardiola and learn alongside world-class players, particularly admiring Ederson. “When I first trained with him at 17, I took small bits of his game and tried to improve mine,” said Trafford. “He’s one of a kind with the ball at his feet.”
City’s Goalkeeping Situation
James Trafford joins a crowded goalkeeping department at Manchester City. Alongside Ederson, Marcus Bettinelli was also signed this summer, and Stefan Ortega remains at the club for now. However, Ortega is expected to depart, with Burnley showing interest in a potential reunion.
City’s previous season ended with a third-place finish in the Premier League, trailing champions Liverpool. Guardiola is reinforcing his squad with youthful talent, and Trafford’s return signals a focus on long-term succession planning in the goalkeeping department.
James Trafford will now begin pre-season preparations with Manchester City as he competes with Ederson for the starting spot. With Stefan Ortega potentially departing, Trafford has a real chance of staking his claim in Guardiola’s plans.
Having rejoined the club where his career began, Trafford’s return is more than just a transfer—it’s a homecoming. His story is one of resilience, ambition, and perfect timing.
Manchester City’s 2025 Summer Signings (So Far)
- Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for £46.3 million
- Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves for £36.3 million
- Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea (free/undisclosed)
- Rayan Cherki from Lyon for £34 million
- Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg for £12.5 million
- James Trafford from Burnley for £31 million (with net cost £27 million)
Several key players have departed Manchester City during this transfer window, including:
- Kevin De Bruyne – joined Napoli (free transfer)
- Kyle Walker – sold to Burnley for £5 million
- Jacob Wright – moved to Norwich City (undisclosed fee)
- Divin Mubama – loaned to Stoke City
- Maximo Perrone – loaned to Como
- Scott Carson – released
FAQs
Why did Manchester City re-sign James Trafford?
Manchester City used a matching clause from his 2023 transfer to Burnley to re-sign him for £27 million, seeing him as a long-term successor in goal.
How much did the James Trafford transfer cost?
Though Newcastle agreed a £31 million fee with Burnley, City matched it but will only pay £27 million due to a sell-on clause.
Will Trafford be Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper?
Trafford will compete with Ederson and Bettinelli for the No. 1 spot. Ortega may depart, improving Trafford’s chances.
What is James Trafford’s shirt number at Manchester City?
He will wear the No. 1 shirt at City.
Has James Trafford played for the England senior team?
Not yet. He’s a key part of the England U21 setup and is expected to break into the senior squad soon.
What are James Trafford’s key stats from last season?
He kept 29 clean sheets and conceded just 16 goals in 45 matches in the Championship.