James Trafford's great season with Burnley in the Premiership (English second division) in 24/25 could take him to Manchester City this summer. The English goalkeeper kept his goal unbeaten in 29 of the 45 games he played in the silver category the previous year and would be Pep Guardiola's new market target.
In this regard, Fabrizio Romano assures that the 'sky blue' team is negotiating the possibility of signing the 22-year-old goalkeeper for a figure less than 40 million euros, although his termination clause is 45 'kilos'. The Greysouthen player is listed for around 22 'kilos' on Transfermarkt and has a contract until 2027 with Burnley.
The operation, however, fundamentally depends on the departure of one of City's goalkeepers this summer. The club has already signed the experienced Marcus Bettinelli (33) to cover the loss of Scott Carson (retired), but also has Stefan Ortega and Ederson. Both end their contract in 2026 and the German is the main candidate to leave.
Guardiola forgets about Ter Stegen as a possible replacement for Ederson
In that sense, Guardiola does not trust Ederson to maintain undisputed ownership for another year either. The Brazilian has reduced his performance in the last two years due to various physical problems and will be a substitute at the beginning of 25/26 if the club finally signs another goalkeeper.
One of the options that Pep kept on his radar in recent weeks was Marc-André ter Stegen. The azulgrana '1' lost his place at FC Barcelona after the signing of Joan García and the renewal of Wojciech Szczesny, although he still has three years of contract remaining.
However, the German's physical problems and his possible surgery seem to rule out City's interest in signing him. James Trafford, on the other hand, is going through the best moment of his short career, after being fundamental for Burnley's return to the Premier League.
The goalkeeper won the golden glove of 24/25 in the Championship after conceding just 16 goals in 45 games. Trafford is also a youth player of the Mancunian team, from which he left in 2023 in exchange for 17.3 million euros. Now, the 'cityzens' intend to activate their repurchase option for an affordable price.
City does not stop its checkbook: 145 M€ and counting
Thus, Pep Guardiola's team plans to continue adding reinforcements this summer, after a season without titles and with a very low level both in the Premier League and in the Champions League.
The club has already signed Tijjani Reijnders (55 M€), Rayan Ait-Nouri (36.8 M€), Rayan Cherki (36.5 M€), Sverre Nypan (15 M€) and Marcus Bettinelli (2.4 M€), which exceeds 145 'kilos' of investment in the summer market.
Ederson, meanwhile, also sounds like a possible reinforcement for Galatasaray. The Turks have been trying to convince the Brazilian for years and, after the possible injury of Ter Stegen, they will make a new effort to get him out of the Etihad Etadium.
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