Burnley’s goalkeeper James Trafford has been brought back to Manchester City. The keeper, who previously played for City, was loaned to Burnley with an option to buy for £40 million if they wished to make the deal permanent. After paying this price, the 22-year-old English keeper Trafford was made to sign with the intention of making him the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming season. Trafford has performed well in the English Championship and has also secured the position of first-choice keeper.
After signing for City, Trafford stated that he wants to be the club’s first-choice goalkeeper every day. He signed until 2030. “I want to be this club’s number one goalkeeper someday. I’ve come here with a mission. I’ll work towards the number one position,” Trafford said. Another reason for his purchase is that City’s current first-choice keeper, Brazil’s Ederson, has not shown his previous top form in the last two seasons. And if a good offer comes, City is prepared to sell him. The club is considering letting go of the 31-year-old keeper due to his declining performance. However, English media reports that coach Pep Guardiola has not yet commented on this matter.
The second reason is that Ederson’s contract has not been renewed. His contract with City will expire after the upcoming season. Neither party has even discussed renewing the contract. English media reports that Turkey’s Galatasaray is interested in buying Ederson. They are reportedly prepared to spend between three to five million for him. In the past season, Saudi clubs had also tried to purchase Ederson. However, City didn’t sell him then due to the lack of a suitable replacement goalkeeper.
