Manchester City re-sign goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley on five-year contract
Updated 29/07/2025 at 19:45 GMT+1
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Manchester City have re-signed goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley on a five-year deal. The Manchester club paid ÂŁ27 million to secure the 22-year-old, just two years after selling him to the Clarets for ÂŁ14m. Trafford starred for Burnley last season in the Championship, conceding only 16 goals in 45 games to help the club secure automatic promotion.
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James Trafford has returned to Manchester City on a five-year contract from Premier League newcomers Burnley.
City have reportedly paid ÂŁ27 million for the 22-year-old, just two years after selling him to the Clarets for ÂŁ14m. His return to The Etihad constitutes a record transfer fee for a British goalkeeper.
Trafford played a key role as Burnley secured an immediate return to the top flight last season under Scott Parker.
He conceded just 16 goals in 45 matches, as his side beat the record for having the tightest defence in the history for the English second tier.
"Rejoining City is such a special and proud moment both for me and my family," Trafford said. "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.
"I am also so very excited and honoured to have been given the opportunity to work under Pep and with such a world-class group of players.
"I am still very young and hungry to keep learning and improving – and I know there is no better environment than Manchester City to help make me become the best goalkeeper I can be.
"I also cannot wait to play in front of the amazing City fans for the first time and will do everything I can to help this great club look to achieve even more success."Â
Trafford joined City's academy as a 12-year-old, but after loan spells with Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers in the English Football League, he failed to make a senior appearance for his parent club.
His debut season at Burnley was a difficult one, as they were relegated from the Premier League under Vincent Kompany, but he re-established himself as one of England's finest goalkeepers with a stunning 2024/25 campaign, which saw him named in the Championship's Team of the Season.
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Trafford's impressive season also earned him call-ups for Thomas Tuchel's first two England squads in March and June, though he has yet to make his senior debut.
City's Director of Football Hugo Viana said: "James is already one of the most accomplished young goalkeepers in the English game, and we are delighted to welcome him back to Manchester City. Â
"He has all the attributes a top-class goalkeeper requires. We feel he is an ideal fit for this squad and will bring great quality to the goalkeeping department. Â
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James Trafford is on his way back to Manchester City
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"We fully believe he will be really successful and a top goalkeeper for Manchester City and the national team."
Ederson was City's No. 1 last season, and Trafford joins Marcus Bettinelli in the goalkeeping ranks following the 33-year-old's arrival from Chelsea this summer.
City ended last season trophyless, having previously won four Premier League titles in a row.
They will begin their 2025/26 league campaign at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, August 16.
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