Manchester City Hijack Newcastle Move to Bring Back James Trafford

Manchester City have swooped in and won the race to sign James Trafford from Burnley, edging out Newcastle United in the process. The 22-year-old goalkeeper, a former product of City’s academy, is now set for a return to the Etihad Stadium in a deal worth around £27 million — significantly less than the £40 million buy-back clause that had been originally agreed when he left for Burnley just a year ago.

But before returning to City, Trafford had long been on Newcastle United’s radar. Eddie Howe’s side were looking to bring in a young, talented keeper to provide competition for Nick Pope, and Trafford had emerged as one of their top options. Talks were held in late May, just before the Club World Cup, at a time when Manchester City weren’t looking to re-sign the England Under-21 international. But the situation shifted quickly, and with Pep Guardiola’s side potentially facing changes in their goalkeeping setup, City acted fast. 

EXCLUSIVE: Manchester City agree deal to sign James Trafford as new goalkeeper, here we go!

Deal in place with Burnley under value of £40m buy back clause. Trafford said yes to Man City as Pep Guardiola wanted him.

Newcastle are also informed about Trafford’s decision. pic.twitter.com/UG4X3V2lsZ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 25, 2025

The youngster will now join Ederson and Stefan Ortega in Guardiola’s squad for the upcoming season. He has agreed to a five-year contract, with the option of an additional year. While Ederson had been linked with a possible exit earlier in the summer, he recently addressed the rumors and dismissed them, calling them “fake news.” For now, he looks set to stay. Ortega, however, could still be on the move, with clubs across Europe monitoring his situation — although nothing concrete has materialized yet. 

Full-Circle Moment for James Trafford  

Trafford’s journey has been anything but straightforward. After rising through the ranks at City’s academy, he spent time out on loan with Accrington Stanley and then Bolton Wanderers, where he caught the eye with a series of mature displays. His performances earned him a £19 million move to Burnley in the summer of 2023, linking up with former City captain Vincent Kompany, who was then in charge of the Clarets. 

Things didn’t go entirely to plan in his first Premier League campaign. Trafford conceded 62 goals and eventually lost his place in the starting XI as Burnley were relegated. But he didn’t let that setback define him. When Scott Parker took over the reins at Burnley, Trafford was given another chance — and he took it with both hands. In the 2024–25 Championship season, he was a key figure in Burnley’s push for promotion, conceding just 16 goals across 45 games. His composure, shot-stopping, and commanding presence between the sticks helped Burnley secure automatic promotion, narrowly missing out on the title to Leeds United on goal difference. 

Despite his club struggles in the top flight, Trafford continued to impress at the international level. He’s been a regular for England from the Under-17s to the Under-21s, and his stock has steadily risen. Even Gareth Southgate took note, keeping tabs on the young keeper’s progress. 

Now, he’s heading back to Manchester City, this time not just as a prospect, but as a serious contender in the first-team setup. Whether he immediately slots into a backup role or pushes for more minutes will depend on what happens next in City’s goalkeeper shuffle.

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