Manchester City have signed a new goalkeeper as first-choice goalie Ederson close in on leaving the club, MySportDab reports.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the seven-time Premier League champions have reached an agreement with Burnley to secure the services of young English goalkeeper James Trafford.
Details of the report reveals Manchester City will pay £27m for Trafford. It is also understood Trafford had long agreed personal terms with City and was eager for a new chapter with the Etihad-based club.
Newcastle were also in the race for the youngster but have now lost the race to City. Meanwhile, a buy-back clause under £40m have been reportedly attached to the deal allowing Burnley bid to re-sign the player if they wish.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola is said to be a big admirer of Trafford and is lining up the 22-year-old as a top contender for the first-team role.
Trafford’s signing could be linked to Man City’s attempt to find a replacement for Ederson. Ederson has been strongly linked with a move away from City this summer.
Saudi clubs have reportedly indicated interest in the Brazilian’s services, including Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbache. He has only one year left at Man City and the club want him to stay.
However, they are looking to shore up with a replacement as they have yet to broker a new deal with him, with his possible exit looming large.
Trafford’s signing marks the player’s return to Man City. He graduated from City Academy in 2022 but failed to break even on his senior career with the club.
He recorded zero senior appearances and was loaned to Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers before signing a permanent contract with Burney in 2023, where he established as one of the promising shotstoppers in English football.
