Man City re-sign Trafford in deal reportedly worth initial £27M

Pep Guardiola is shaking up Manchester City's goalkeeping department.

James Trafford returned to the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, two years after he left for Burnley. The 22-year-old made the switch to City in a deal worth an initial £27 million but could surpass £30 million after bonuses, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein. Jordan Pickford became the most expensive British goalkeeper in history when he joined Everton from Sunderland for £30 million in 2017.

Trafford inked a five-year contract with 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 said in a statement. "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."

Newcastle United had the opportunity to sign Trafford about two months ago, before City decided to make an approach for their former academy player, Ornstein reports.

Trafford's arrival casts doubts on the futures of the other goalkeepers in Guardiola's squad. Ederson, who's been a regular starter for the past eight seasons, said in June that rumors about him leaving were "fake news" and that he'd remain at the club for next season. Stefan Ortega is linked to Fenerbahce and three Premier League clubs, Sky Sport Germany's Florian Plettenberg reported Friday. Marcus Bettinelli joined City on a free transfer from Chelsea earlier this summer.

Trafford was a highly regarded member of City's youth ranks before he flourished during an 18-month spell on loan in League One with Bolton Wanderers. He then played a starring role for England during its triumphant run at the European Under-21 Championship ahead of his transfer to Burnley in July 2023.

The Cumbria native had a difficult first season in the Premier League with Burnley and eventually lost his place in the starting lineup to Arijanet Muric. However, Trafford was back at his best last term, conceding 16 goals in 45 Championship outings to help the Clarets secure an instant top-flight return.