A West Cumbrian is now the most expensive goalkeeper in British football.
James Trafford, a farmer’s son from Greysouthen, has gone back to Manchester City after two years with Burnley.
It has been reported that the move was worth £27m plus add-ons, but Burnley have given the figure as £31m plus add-ons and a sell-on clause.
The previous record was £30m which Everton paid Sunderland eight years ago for Jordan Pickford.
Trafford, now 22, joined Burnley in 2023 for a fee said to be worth up to £19m.
He particularly impressed last season when Burnley won back their place in the Premier League. He kept 29 clean sheets in 45 Championship games for Scott Parker’s side.
He was named in the Championship Team of the Season.
Burnley said: “The move to City is a record transfer fee for a British goalkeeper and a club record sale.”
When they sold Trafford in July 2023, City had a buy-back clause inserted and also matching rights, allowing them to equal any offer from another club.
When Newcastle offered £27m City countered and Trafford chose to return to Manchester.
He has signed a five-year contract with the option for another year at Etihad Stadium, and will wear the number one shirt.
In an interview for City TV the young West Cumbrian, who is a keen Workington Reds supporter, said: “Rejoining City is such a special and proud moment both for me and my family.
“I am returning to the club a hundred times better than the player who left in 2023.
“I always dreamed that one day I would be able to come back to Manchester City.
“This is the place I call home – it’s a truly special football club.
“I am still very young and hungry to keep learning and improving – and I know there is no better environment than Manchester City to help make me become the best goalkeeper I can be.”
