Manchester City have resigned goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League season.
The deal is worth £27 million ($36.3m) and Trafford has signed a five-year deal at the Etihad, with the option of an extra year.
City fought off interest in Trafford from Newcastle United to resign him after leaving just two years to join Burnley.
Trafford made 78 appearances in his two years at Burnley, keeping a remarkable 29 cleans sheets in their promotion-winning campaign last season.
Manchester City confirmed Trafford signing on their website on Tuesday.
The statement read: “James Trafford says he always thought he would return to Manchester City after leaving in 2023.
“The 22-year-old goalkeeper has joined the Club on a five-year deal after two seasons at Burnley.
“He spent eight years as a City player from the age of 12, progressing through our youth ranks and gaining vital experience on loan, before moving to Turf Moor on a permanent deal two years ago.”
Trafford was delighted to return to his boyhood club while expressing his desire to win trophies.
He said: “It was one of my goals since I joined when I was 12 to play for City. I knew my journey would look different.
“Throughout it I always believed I would be coming back and when I left on loan when I was 18 or when I left for Burnley when I was 20.
“I always believed that one day I would be back and I worked hard to achieve this moment.
“I always believed that I’d play for City and I knew the only person that could do that was me.
“Now I’ve got this moment, I’ve just got to keep going.”
Trafford will compete with Ederson for the No 1 spot next season.
Stefan Ortega, who started 13 games in the Premier League last season, is expected to leave the club before the start of the season.
