Goalkeeping star returns to Man City in record-breaking buy-back deal

The 22-year-old was in high demand this summer following a standout season in the Championship, where he kept 29 clean sheets, equaling the record for a single English league campaign. 

Burnley conceded just 16 goals across 46 games, the fewest in Football League history and just one more than Chelsea’s 15 conceded in the Premier League in 2004–05. The Clarets secured automatic promotion with 100 points and only two defeats all season.

Newcastle United had reportedly agreed a $41 million deal with Burnley for Trafford before City stepped in to exercise their buy-back option.

"This is the place I call home,” Trafford upon his return to Manchester, via Neil Leigh of the team's website. “It's a truly special football club with fantastic people who make it such a unique place to work and play.”

"I am also very excited and honored to have been given the opportunity to work under Pep and with such a world-class group of players.”

A 2015 product of City’s academy, Trafford gained senior experience with loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers. 

With Ederson’s future uncertain, Trafford now returns as a genuine contender for the No.1 shirt, symbolizing City’s long-term vision and commitment to their youth development pathway.