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Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has already made his feelings known about James Trafford, as his international teammate could rejoin Manchester City this summer.
Pep Guardiola's side has reportedly approached Burnley over the potential re-signing of the goalkeeper just two years after selling him to the Clarets. While City has a $54 million buy-back clause in place, it’s understood City is hoping to negotiate a lower fee for the 22-year-old.
Should Trafford depart Turf Moor this summer, Burnley would be in the market for a replacement. Among the options being considered is City’s current backup goalkeeper, Stefan Ortega. The Clarets are actively assessing alternatives, with Ortega one of several names on their radar. Burnley previously turned down a bid from Newcastle United in June, believed to be worth around $32 million including add-ons, as it holds firm on its valuation of the England star.
Jones passionately declared Trafford as "the f------ best" during England U21s' wild celebrations after the team's European Championship victory in 2023.
The then 22-year-old scored the decisive goal in the final, unintentionally redirecting Cole Palmer’s free-kick into the bottom-left corner.
However, it was the Burnley goalkeeper who emerged as the true hero for Lee Carsley’s England U21 side. The 20-year-old produced a dramatic stoppage-time save to deny Abel Ruiz from the penalty spot, before quickly reacting to block Aimar Oroz’s rebound.
A third effort from Sergio Camello flew over the bar, sealing England’s victory.
Trafford was instantly swarmed by his ecstatic teammates, with celebrations erupting on the pitch. One viral video from the moment captured Jones and Trafford embracing, as the Liverpool academy graduate showered his teammate with praise.
Looking into the camera, Jones said: "Hey! You see this man? [He is] the f------ best. The best!"
Trafford was on the verge of joining Newcastle last summer, but the deal collapsed when Nottingham Forest insisted on including Odysseas Vlachodimos as part of the financial maneuvering tied to Elliot Anderson’s move to the City Ground.
As a result, the 22-year-old remained at Burnley — and it proved to be a blessing in disguise.
Trafford went on to enjoy a record-breaking season in the Championship, keeping an astonishing 29 clean sheets and conceding just 16 goals as he played a pivotal role in helping the Clarets secure immediate promotion back to the Premier League.
According to Fabrizio Romano, City is now considering re-signing Trafford if either Ederson or Ortega leaves the club before the end of the summer transfer window.
Both goalkeepers are under contract until 2026, though Ederson has recently been linked with a move to Turkish team Galatasaray.
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