Return after two years
© Imago
James Trafford’s return to Manchester City is perfect. The 22 -year -old goalkeeper signed a contract with the Skyblues by June 30, 2030. It was only two years ago that the Manchester own plant had left FC Burnley. There Trafford had played into the focus of Newcastle United, but the Citizens still sparked in between.
According to media reports, City was used by a matching right and equalized the offer from Newcastle. The magpies had offered the equivalent of just over 31 million euros. Trafford sorted out in nine of the most expensive goalkeepers in history with the sum – ahead of Manuel Neuer (39), who switched from Schalke to FC Bayern for 30 million euros in 2011. Trafford also becomes Burnleys’ record sales.
Trafford left his youth club after eight years in the summer of 2023 for 17.3 million euros to Burnley after becoming a European champion with the English U21 national team. Last season, the keeper showed outstanding achievements and was instrumental in the Premier League return of the Clarets. In 45 second division games, Trafford remained 29 times without conceding a goal and only had to grab 16 times. Its market value increased to EUR 22 million, with which he is the most valuable English goalkeeper.
“Return to City is a very special and proud moment for me and my family. I have always dreamed of one day being able to return to Manchester City. This is the place that I call my home – it is a really special football club with fantastic people who make him such a unique place to work and play,” said Trafford. “I am still very young and hungry to learn further and improve myself – and I know that there is no better environment than Manchester City to help me get the best goalkeeper that I can be.”
At MAN City, Trafford from now on competes with Ederson (31) and Stefan Ortega (32) for the space between the posts, the two veterans had surprisingly turned away last season. The sixth newcomer increases the transfer editions of the Skyblues to EUR 177 million-only three Premier League clubs gave more.