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.
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.
More to follow.
