There are question marks surrounding a host of positions in the Manchester City squad heading into the summer transfer window. One of those positions is in goal. It remains unclear what the future holds for Ederson and Stefan Ortega. If one of those players left City in the summer Pep Guardiola’s side would need another keeper. One player who has impressed this season is Burnley keeper James Trafford. City does hold a buy-back clause on the young goalkeeper. It’s a potential move City could and should explore in the summer based on Trafford’s impressive form this season.
First of all, it appears that Newcastle United have an interest in signing James Trafford from Burnley in the summer. Craig Hope has reported for the Daily Mail that Newcastle are confident of signing Trafford in the summer. But is included in Hope’s report that Manchester City have a buy-back clause on Trafford. It is believed it will cost Manchester City over £40 million to bring Trafford back to the Etihad.
It’s about time Manchester City used a buy-back clause to bring a talented young player back to the club.
James Trafford has shone for Burnley this season. He did struggle last season for Burnley as they were relegated from the Premier League. But as with all young players that was a development season for Trafford. This season he has been an integral player for Burnley. Trafford has been the pillar between the posts for Burnley as their defence has formed the foundation of their success so far this season. Trafford always appeared destined to be a top quality keeper and that’s been on full display this season. Based on that fact there is merit in the idea of Manchester City bringing Trafford back to the club.
Manchester City’s need to add another keeper is dependent on what happens with Ederson and Stefan Ortega in the summer. If one of those players leaves the club City will need to sign a goalkeeper. That’s where James Trafford comes into the equation. He’s home grown, and a potential full England international in time. Manchester City hold a buy-back clause on Trafford and it’s time they used it. Rather than letting him sign for Newcastle for example, bringing Trafford back to the Etihad does seem to be a low risk move. Yes paying over £40 million for a keeper is steep but it could solve an issue for Pep Guardiola’s side. It seems to be a no brainer if Ederson or Stefan Ortega leaves the club.
If Manchester City do need a keeper in the summer they could do a lot worse than bring James Trafford back to the club. Trafford has developed as a keeper and City do hold a buy-back clause on the England youth international. If they need to they may as well utilise it as it’s a relatively simple move to make to fill a hole in Pep Guardiola’s squad if the situation gets to that point in the summer.
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