Man City re-sign goalkeeper Trafford from Burnley

Manchester City has re-signed goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley for a fee of 27 million pounds (36.2 million U.S. dollars), with Trafford signing a five-year contract.

The move sees the 22-year-old, who has played 19 times for the England Under-21 team, return to the club after two seasons with Burnley.

"It's brilliant for me," commented Trafford on the Manchester City website.

"To play for Man City has been one of my goals since I joined the club when I was 12 years old."

Trafford initially joined Manchester City from Carlisle United in 2015 and although he never made his first-team debut, he enjoyed successful loan spells with Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers, setting a club record of 26 clean sheets in a season for the latter in the 2022-23 campaign.

He then joined Burnley for the 2023-24 season for 19 million pounds, making 28 appearances as the club was relegated from the Premier League, while last season he was first choice as the club won promotion back to the top-flight.

Trafford conceded a record-low 16 goals in 46 Championship matches and keeping an incredible 29 clean sheets in the season.

"I know my journey would look differently and throughout it, I always believed I would be coming back. When I left, I always believed that one day I would be back, and I've worked to achieve this moment," added Trafford.

He will compete with Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson to be first choice for Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola, while Stefan Ortega looks likely to leave the club, with Burnley a possible destination.