Manchester City have now announced the return of James Trafford.
The City Football Academy graduate was sold to Burnley back in July 2023 for a sum of £19m, having never made a senior appearance for Manchester City.
However, 31 clean sheets in 73 appearances for the Clarets has now convinced Pep Guardiola and Hugo Viana to bring the 22-year-old back to the Etihad Stadium.
After Manchester City announced James Trafford in a £31m deal, Burnley fans shared a prediction.
Burnley fans back James Trafford for success after Manchester City move
It can be easy for a fanbase to act fairly bitter after losing a top talent to an elite side, so it speaks volumes that Burnley supporters only have good things to say about the man born in Cockermouth.
One Burnley fan wrote on X (previously known as Twitter): “Trafford is going to go on and have a brilliant career at the highest level.
“Thrown into the deep end when he was first signed, but his attitude remained top notch. Last season he progressed into the keeper he was always capable of being. Big gloves to fill now.”
Another also backed Trafford to blossom in future, tipping him to be starting in goal for England at the 2028 European Championship and doing enough to secure the silverware.
They posted: “All the best to Traff – well deserved move, and we’ll be claiming some credit for his development when he brings the Euros home in 2028.”
A third Burnley fan confidently said Trafford will become the No.1 for England “for sure” in future, with a fourth supporter in agreement – adding it will “eventually” happen once Jordan Pickford fades out of scene.
Others echoed this sentiment and wished Trafford all the best at Manchester City, which suggests he was not only a terrific goalkeeper for the Clarets, but also conducted himself admirably enough to be highly thought of at Turf Moor.
James Trafford set to replace Stefan Ortega
Despite plenty of talk involving Ederson and Galatasaray, the Brazil international will be staying at Manchester City to compete against Trafford.
Stefan Ortega – however – is set to be sold as he seeks regular playing time.
The likes of Leicester and Burnley – who are obviously now without a goalkeeper – are interested in signing the German, along with Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce.
It means Guardiola is likely to have Ederson, Trafford and another new arrival in Marcus Bettinelli as his three goalkeeping options next season.
