Manchester City have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford in a British record deal from Burnley.
The 22-year-old had been courted by Newcastle United for well over a year but has opted for a return to the Etihad Stadium, where he came through the club’s academy.
City sold Trafford to Burnley for an initial £14m two years ago and inserted matching rights into the deal.
Once Newcastle bid for the England Under-21 international last week, City had to quickly decide whether to make their move – despite neither Ederson nor Stefan Ortega leaving so far this summer.
They have done just that, adding the youngster, who is currently part of the England first team set up, to their ranks again.
The deal is worth £31millon, but could rise again if add-ons are met. A sell-on clause is also included.
Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, has now seen his career spending as a manager pass €2billion – the first boss to do so in the history of the game.
In a 35-second announcement video on social media, Trafford said: ‘The decision to come back was easy. It was always my dream to be the goalie for Manchester City.
‘This club feels like home. I was 12 when I started here, coming to CFA and working hard every day.
‘I always felt I’d be back here one day. My job is simple – don’t let them score. That’s the goal.’
Trafford conceded only 16 goals as Burnley secured promotion back to the Premier League last term, keeping an astonishing 30 Championship clean sheets.
That equalled a 71-year EFL record, set by Port Vale, and Thomas Tuchel subsequently called him up to England’s senior squad.
While at City, 6ft 6in goalkeeper Trafford had loan spells at both Accrington and Bolton. He then moved onto Burnley, but has now rejoined City.
He is expected to compete with Ederson for the No 1 shirt, with it still unclear if the Brazilian will depart this summer.
Guardiola, meanwhile, has now passed the €2bn mark after being sat on €1.99bn before the move.
