Manchester City Break British Record Fee to Re-Sign James Trafford from Burnley

Manchester City have set a new British record fee for a goalkeeper by re-signing James Trafford from Burnley for a reported sum of over £30m.

By Chris Posiano

July 30, 2025 at 12:16 AM

6,919 views

Manchester City has made headlines by re-signing goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley for a reported fee surpassing £30 million, setting a new record for a British goalkeeper. The 22-year-old shot-stopper returns to City after a successful spell at Burnley, where he made 73 appearances and helped the team secure promotion to the Premier League.

City sources indicate that the deal for Trafford amounts to £27 million plus additional clauses, while Burnley sources suggest a higher figure of £31 million along with add-ons and a sell-on clause. This transfer surpasses the previous British record fee set by Everton's acquisition of Jordan Pickford from Sunderland in 2017 for £30 million.

Having signed for Burnley in July 2023 for up to £19 million, Trafford excelled in the Championship, keeping 29 clean sheets in 45 games and earning a spot in the division's team of the year. Burnley confirmed that this transfer represents a record fee for a British goalkeeper and a club-record sale.

Expressing his excitement about returning to Manchester City, Trafford stated, "Rejoining City is such a special and proud moment both for me and my family. This is the place I call home - it's a truly special football club." He emphasized his commitment to continuous growth and improvement, acknowledging the conducive environment at Manchester City to become the best goalkeeper he can be.

City's Director of Football, Hugo Viana, praised Trafford's skills, labeling him as one of the most talented young goalkeepers in English football. With a five-year contract and the possibility of an additional year, Trafford is set to compete with Ederson, Stefan Ortega, and Marcus Bettinelli for the number one spot in City's squad.

Trafford's impressive performance at Burnley, where he achieved a Championship-best 30 clean sheets, has positioned him as a promising addition to Manchester City's goalkeeping roster. His return to the club marks City's sixth signing of the window, as they aim to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.