Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford could be in line for a return to the Etihad Stadium, two years after the Blues sold him to their Lancashire neighbours. With the future of Ederson unclear and Burnley lining up Stefan Ortega as a replacement for Trafford, the Blues could exercise their buy-back option with the Clarets.
Trafford signed for the Blues in August 2015 but the academy star never made a senior appearance with the club. He was loaned out to Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers before making
a permanent move to Turf Moor in 2023 for an initial fee of £15m.
However, the Blues may once again be in the market for a new keeper and have a £40m buy-back clause inserted into the deal that took Trafford to Burnley. Although it is rumoured that the keeper has agreed terms with Newcastle, the two clubs have failed to reach an agreement and the Blues may swoop in at the last minute. Trafford is also interested on a return to City and the Blues may use Ortega as a make-weight in securing any potential deal.
The future of Ederson is still unclear, with rumoured interest from Saudi Arabia still making the rounds. However, there have been rumours that Turkish side Galatasaray have submitted a bid, albeit a low one, for the services of the Brazilian and manager Pep Guardiola may decide it is time to cash in on the keeper.
If that’s the case, City will also be in the hunt for a new number two and three, with Scott Carson also having left the Blues in June.
What do you think? Should Trafford return to City? Should the Blues allow Ederson to leave? Let us know your thoughts.
More from bitterandblue.sbnation.com:
- Manchester City – From Division Three To Premier League Champions
- Transfer Rumors: Thiago Wanted
- Manchester City - Champions
- Manchester City On Brink Of Title Success
- Manchester City Plot Three Major Signings For Summer Transfer Window
- Tottenham 1-3 Manchester City, Premier League: Tactical Analysis
- Tottenham vs Manchester City, Premier League: Final Score 1-3, Dominant Blues easily defeat Spurs
