Manchester City Goalkeeper Makes Emotional Homecoming: "This Is Where I Belong" - Exclusive First Interview

Manchester City has confirmed the acquisition of goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley, bringing back their former youth academy graduate.

Trafford is set to don the No.1 jersey for the coming campaign.

The keeper was initially transferred to Burnley in 2023, though the original agreement contained a £40 million ($54.1 million) buyback option. City and Burnley negotiated a fee below the clause amount, matching Newcastle's £27 million ($36.5 million) offer. The shot-stopper has penned a five-year deal keeping him at the Etihad until June 2030.

Under ex-City player Vincent Kompany's guidance at Turf Moor, Trafford proved instrumental. After relegation and Kompany's departure to Bayern Munich, Trafford achieved 29 clean sheets across 45 Championship matches, helping Burnley earn promotion back to the top flight. He established a Championship record with 12 consecutive shutouts.

"Coming back to City represents an incredibly special and proud milestone for both myself and my family. I've always harbored the dream of returning to Manchester City one day. This place feels like home to me. It's an extraordinary football institution filled with wonderful people who create such a distinctive environment for working and playing," Trafford expressed in the official statement.

"James already ranks among the most talented young keepers in English football, and we're thrilled to bring him back to Manchester City. He possesses all the qualities needed in an elite goalkeeper. We believe he's a perfect match for this squad and will contribute exceptional quality to our goalkeeping unit. We have complete confidence he'll achieve great success as a top keeper for both Manchester City and England," stated Hugo Viana, City's football director.

Trafford's homecoming raises questions about the futures of both Ederson and Stefan Ortega at the club. Ederson, who has been a consistent presence during Pep Guardiola's successful period including their historic treble season, was reportedly targeted by Galatasaray this summer. However, Guardiola seems determined to retain the Brazilian as negotiations with the Turkish club appear to have stalled.

Ortega temporarily displaced Ederson as first choice during last season's Premier League campaign, though Ederson eventually reclaimed his position in what proved to be an unusual season for Guardiola's team.

Trafford becomes City's second goalkeeper signing this summer following the addition of Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea. The Citizens have also brought in Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki and Rayan Aït-Nouri.