Manchester City have unveiled their former academy player, James Trafford as new goalkeeper for the club. The Cityzens bargained on a buy back clause in Traffords contract to bring back the English man from Burnely.
Softfootball had reported how City and Burnley negotiated the price of Traffords deal below the valuation of Burnley for the goalkeeper. The Clarets had valued Trafford at 40m but eventually agreed to 27m offered by City.
Trafford had helped Burnley to gain promotion from the Championship last season kept a total of 31 clean sheets in 78 matches for the Clarets. He played 45 matches last term for the Brown and Blue team.
Upon completion of his move back to city, the goalkeeper was given a rousing welcome back to the club. His unveiling video saw a mixture of a young Trafford learning the ropes with an already grown and mature goalkeeper. City unveiled him with a video posted across their social media handles.
Watch below Traffords unveiling video as posted on Citys official verified X handle .
Speaking with the club media in an interview, the goalkeeper was full of high spirit with his return to the club. He explained his happiness and this was destined to be his journey.
He said:
The 22 year old will compete with clubs first choice Ederson, if the Brazilian is not exiting the club this summer. Softfootball had earlier reported that Galatasaray were interested in the goalkeeper. However, Stefan Ortega has been told he is free to leave the club this summer.
Ortega has been the second choice goalkeeper for Manchester City since 2022.