James Trafford could be set for a sensational return to Manchester City.
The England U21 international has shone between the sticks since leaving the Etihad Stadium for Burnley in a £15m move back in July 2023, conceding just 78 goals in 73 appearances for the Clarets while keeping 31 clean sheets.
Fabrizio Romano claims Manchester City are considering a bid for Trafford – who is available for £40m thanks to a buyback clause – and the City Football Academy graduate is open to returning.
Pep Guardiola never handed James Trafford a single appearance at Manchester City, but there was seemingly a lot of admiration for the 22-year-old from the Spaniard.
What Pep Guardiola has previously said about James Trafford
When the Cockermouth-born glovesman was fourth in line behind Ederson, Zack Steffen and Scott Carson before his move to Turf Moor, he managed to impress Guardiola in training by saving one of his penalties.
Sky Sports relayed the story in July 2023, quoting Trafford as saying: “Pep said, you can have anything you want if you save it. So, I said, can I start on the weekend?”
Guardiola was unfortunately only teasing the City Football Academy graduate, as he never did receive that start despite saving the penalty.
However, the man born in Santpedor was often quick to include Trafford and keep him in the conversation despite his status as fourth choice, once saying: “We have two top keepers and even the fourth one – Trafford – is a guy who is growing really really well.”
Cole Palmer believes James Trafford will become “world class”
Manchester City already let Cole Palmer go before he became a sensation at Chelsea, and based on what the England international once said about Trafford, you can understand why the Citizens want him back.
Palmer hailed Trafford, telling the Manchester Evening News: “He is so good. Even in training he’s so hard to score past… I always say to him, even when we were little, that he is going to be world class.
“I already knew how good he was, and I am just glad everyone is seeing it.”
With Ederson seemingly on his way to Galatasaray, Trafford may finally get the chance to become No.1 at Manchester City under Guardiola.
