Manchester City are preparing a surprise move for an English goalkeeper who has already been at the club: James Trafford. The news was announced by Fabrizio Romano himself, who described it as a "bombshell transfer" on Friday evening.
City have been extremely active in the transfer market, signing names such as Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli and Sverre Nypan, in an attempt to bounce back strongly after a disappointing trophyless season.
But the transfer window is not over for them yet. According to Romano, City are considering the return of James Trafford, who had a fantastic season with Burnley, keeping 29 clean sheets in 45 games and contributing to the club's return to the Premier League. His good form earned him a call-up to the England national team in March, but he is yet to make his debut for the Three Lions.
City have been in contact with Burnley over a potential move, but it all depends on the future of Ederson or Stefan Ortega. Trafford would only return if either of the current two goalkeepers leave this summer.
Ederson, who has been City's number one since 2017, is a target for Galatasaray, who, according to L'Équipe, have made a ridiculous offer of just €3 million for the Brazilian, who has a contract until 2026.
Ortega, whose contract expires in 2025, remains part of Guardiola's plans for the time being, who declared in June that: "both of our goalkeepers will continue."
Despite this, Ederson's future has been the subject of speculation, particularly after offers from Saudi Arabia last summer and more recently from Turkey. However, the player himself made it clear to ESPN last month:
"My head is here. It stays with City. I want to get back to the Premier League and try to win the Champions League again. My future is here."
He also stressed that most of the news circulating about him is "99% fake news."
Trafford, who joined City aged 12, never made his first-team debut but was loaned out to Accrington Stanley and Bolton before eventually moving to Burnley for £19m.
If one of the current goalkeepers leaves, a return to Trafford at City is an increasingly likely scenario.
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