Trafford returns to Man City for British record fee

Goalkeeper James Trafford has rejoined Manchester City from Burnley in a deal which the Clarets say is a new record fee for a British goalkeeper

According to reports from sources around Manchester City, the move is worth £27m plus add-ons.

However, Burnley sources put the figure at £31m plus add-ons and a sell-on clause.

That would take the deal above the previous record of £30m which Everton paid Sunderland for Jordan Pickford in 2017.

City academy graduate Trafford, 22, signed for the Clarets for up to £19m in July 2023.

He impressed last season as Scott Parker's side won promotion back to the Premier League - keeping 29 clean sheets across 45 Championship games - and was named in the division's team of the year.

Announcing his departure, Burnley said "the move to City is a record transfer fee for a British goalkeeper and a club record sale".

City had a buy-back clause for Trafford and also matching rights, allowing them to equal any offer from another club.

They moved for the player following a £27m bid from Newcastle - and Trafford opted for a return to Manchester.

He has signed a five-year contract with the option for another year at Etihad Stadium, and will wear the number one shirt.