Manchester City are taking steps to re-sign James Trafford from Burnley.
Having come through the academy at Man City, Pep Guardiola allowed Trafford to leave the Etihad Stadium in 2023 to join Burnley, as the chance to play in the Premier League was too good an opportunity for the Englishman to turn down.
Gary Lineker was impressed with Trafford’s role in helping England U21s win the European Championships in 2023; however, the Englishman would struggle in the English top flight throughout the following season.
Trafford learned from this and excelled in the Championship during the 24/25 campaign with Burnley, and this is just a small glimpse into the goalkeeper’s mentality, which could be about to help him secure a move back to Manchester.
James Trafford has an impressive mentality
With two ageing goalkeepers at Man City when Trafford was last at the club in 2023, the Burnley star could have rested on his laurels and waited for his opportunity to arrive at the Etihad Stadium.
Instead, the 22-year-old put his pride aside and moved to Turf Moor during the summer of 2023, as he knew it would allow him the opportunity to prove himself with the aim of returning to Manchester one day.
Speaking on Fozcast – The Ben Foster Podcast last month, Trafford provided an insight into his Man City exit, and it shows how strong-minded the player is.
“And I was like, yeah, I want to go to the Premier League. Like I said, I wanted to play for Manchester City, and who doesn’t want to be Manchester City’s number one? I believe I could be,” Trafford said.
“But obviously at this moment in time, I’m not going to say that I want to be X, Y, and Z, because I obviously have to prove myself and get better.
“And I think this was the best for me. And he (Man City goalkeeper coach) was like, yeah, I agree. Like, this is the best thing for you. So it was quite simple in that way, just me and the goalie coach speaking like that.”
Trafford has shown that he has belief in himself, but at the same time, can put his confidence aside if it is best for everyone.
This mentality says everything that is needed to know about why Man City are keen on bringing the 22-year-old back to Manchester, as this, in addition to his football ability, could see him become one of the best goalkeepers in the world over the coming years.
How James Trafford compares to Ederson
Newcastle have left the race for Trafford, which has now given Man City a free run at the goalkeeper; however, it remains to be seen if the Englishman will replace Ederson or Stefan Ortega, should he complete his Burnley exit.
The likelihood is that the 22-year-old will replace the latter at Man City, as this would allow Trafford to learn under Ederson for a year.
| Player | Games | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets | Minutes |
| Ederson | 40 | 54 | 13 | 3611 |
| James Trafford | 46 | 16 | 29 | 4050 |
The two players are similar in ways, with both being very modern goalkeepers. Both are exceptional with the ball at their feet, which aids build-up play, and both are very composed in their box.
Trafford is a better shot-stopper than the Brazilian, which is what Man City fans are looking for, while his reflexes are stronger, which is aided by his age.
Man City would be getting a goalkeeper for the next five years and beyond if they can get a deal for the Burnley star over the line, but it remains to be seen if they can reach an agreement with the Clarets.
