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Manchester City sold James Trafford to Burnley for £14million in 2023 but he is on the verge of a return to the Etihad.
Manchester City are set to re-sign James Trafford from Burnley with Stefan Ortega expected to leave the club this summer.
City sold Trafford to Burnley for £14million in 2023. The 22-year-old has excelled in his time at Turf Moor, starting 45 of the club's 46 league games last season as they won promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.
The Manchester Evening News understands City included a matching clause in the move that took Trafford to Burnley, meaning the Clarets were required to inform City of any bid made for the youngster should they wish to match it. Newcastle made a £27m bid for Trafford and City have matched the offer.
Trafford is expected to sign a five-year deal at the Etihad with the option of an additional year.
City's goalkeeping department has already been freshened up this summer following the signing of Marcus Bettinelli after Scott Carson's six-year association with the club came to an end. The expected arrival of Trafford means further change is on the horizon, with Ortega now expected to leave the club.
Trafford will challenge Ederson for a starting role at the Etihad, though the Brazil international's future has also been brought into question this summer.
The 31-year-old's camp are understood to have held talks with Galatasaray over a potential transfer, but no official approach has yet been made. Ederson was close to an exit last summer when the Saudi Pro League expressed interest.
Man City's 2025/26 Away Shirt
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Man City have launched their new away shirt for the 2025/26 season, featuring an all-black design inspired by the club's earliest-known kit.
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