Man City Approach Burnley Over Goalkeeper James Trafford

Premier League Giants Attempt to Negotiate £40m Buy-Back Clause

In a storyline that could see a promising young goalkeeper return to his roots, Manchester City have reportedly approached Burnley to open discussions around a potential reunion with James Trafford. The 22-year-old shot-stopper, who came through the City academy system, is being eyed by his former club just two years after he made the switch to Turf Moor in a £19 million move.

According to reports from Sky Sports, City are now revisiting the deal they structured in 2023, which included a buy-back clause valued at £40 million. The Premier League champions are said to be keen on bringing Trafford back to the Etihad, but not necessarily at the full fee stipulated in the clause.

WHAT HAPPENED?

James Trafford left Manchester City in the summer of 2023 in a deal worth up to £19m, including add-ons, with the understanding that City would keep tabs on his development. As part of that agreement, the Manchester club inserted a £40m buy-back clause, allowing them to reclaim the promising goalkeeper if he reached expected levels of performance.

Now, with Trafford having impressed in his first Premier League season despite Burnley’s turbulent campaign, City seem to believe the time may be right. The club is not only impressed with his progress but also sees long-term value in bolstering their goalkeeping department as Ederson continues to age and competition remains key.

City’s intention isn’t necessarily to trigger the full clause but to enter negotiations with Burnley in hopes of securing a more favorable deal.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Portsmouth FC v Burnley FC – Sky Bet Championship

If a deal does go through, Burnley will need to act fast to find a replacement in goal. Among the names being linked with Turf Moor is none other than City’s current backup keeper, Stefan Ortega. The 31-year-old German has been a reliable deputy to Ederson, making 56 appearances in all competitions since his arrival in 2022.

Burnley head coach Scott Parker is reportedly an admirer of Ortega and sees him as a strong candidate to fill Trafford’s gloves should a transfer be completed. As of now, there is no formal offer on the table for Ortega, but the Clarets are clearly keeping their options open.

DID YOU KNOW?

Earlier this summer, Newcastle United made a strong push to sign Trafford themselves. The Magpies submitted an offer said to be worth £27m, including performance-based incentives, but the bid was rejected outright by Burnley. That rejection signals just how highly the Lancashire club values Trafford — a player they believe can be a top Premier League goalkeeper for years to come.

TRAFFORD’S JOURNEY TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE

James Trafford’s story is one of quiet perseverance and gradual development. Born in Cumbria, he joined Manchester City’s youth academy at a young age and spent nearly a decade progressing through the club’s ranks.

Despite his long association with City, Trafford never made a senior appearance for the club. Instead, his formative experiences came through loan spells — most notably at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers. It was at Bolton where he truly began to stand out, with a string of commanding performances that earned him a move to the Premier League.

Burnley swooped in during the summer of 2023, securing Trafford’s services in a deal that raised some eyebrows at the time due to its valuation. However, his performances quickly justified the investment. While Burnley faced their challenges on the pitch, Trafford’s consistency and maturity in goal earned praise from fans and pundits alike.

WHY CITY WANT HIM BACK

Manchester City have always placed a premium on developing from within when possible, and bringing back Trafford would represent a strategic move. Not only is he homegrown, ticking the increasingly important Premier League registration box, but he’s also a player they know well — both technically and personally.

City are reportedly impressed by his rapid adaptation to top-flight football, his distribution skills, and his temperament under pressure. With Stefan Ortega potentially leaving in search of regular game time and Ederson not getting any younger, City need to future-proof their goalkeeper position.

Moreover, the club’s pursuit of Trafford can also be seen as a broader investment. Even if he doesn’t become the immediate No. 1, he offers tremendous value as a long-term asset — either on the pitch or in the transfer market.

FINANCIAL SENSIBILITIES AND STRATEGIC THINKING

Stefan Ortega

While £40m is a steep price for a goalkeeper with just one Premier League season under his belt, City’s interest lies in finding a more practical solution. Negotiations with Burnley could result in a revised figure or a structured deal involving performance add-ons or sell-on clauses.

Burnley, on the other hand, are in a strong negotiating position. They know Trafford is highly rated and that other clubs — Newcastle among them — have already tested the waters. If City want him back, it won’t come cheap, regardless of sentiment.

Scott Parker and the Burnley board also need to weigh the implications of losing their first-choice keeper. The potential move for Ortega would address that, but integrating a new goalkeeper in the middle of pre-season is always a risk.

WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY AND BURNLEY?

As the 2025-26 season approaches, both clubs are deep into their preparations. City have their sights on defending their Premier League crown while also making another push for Champions League glory. Securing dependable backup — or even future No. 1 — in goal is a logical priority.

For Burnley, who narrowly missed out on promotion last term, stability is key. Losing Trafford would be a blow, but cashing in now — especially if Ortega becomes available — could allow Parker to reinvest in other areas of the squad.

Expect talks to intensify in the coming days. With just under six weeks left before the transfer window closes, all parties know the clock is ticking.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Football has a way of coming full circle, and for James Trafford, a return to Manchester City would be a testament to his journey and development. From youth academy prospect to Premier League starter, his rise has been steady, professional, and well-earned.

Whether or not the move materialises, one thing is clear: Trafford’s name is now firmly on the radar of top-flight clubs, and his next step will be a significant one — both for his career and for the clubs involved.