James Trafford reveals reason for snubbing Newcastle for Man City in British record deal – as goalkeeper outlines his England ambitions

James Trafford has explained his reasoning for re-signing for Manchester City and snubbing long-standing interest from Newcastle.

The 22-year-old had been courted by Newcastle United for well over a year but opted for a return to the Etihad Stadium, where he came through the club’s academy.

City sold Trafford to Burnley for an initial £14million two years ago and inserted matching rights into the deal.

Once Newcastle bid for the England Under-21 international, Man City opted to act and swiftly closed a deal to resign the shot-stopper for a reported £31m fee.

The transfer was reported as being a British record deal for a goalkeeper, eclipsing the £30m fee Everton paid Sunderland for Jordan Pickford in 2017.

Trafford made the decision to return Man City despite Ederson being established as their No 1, with his back-up Stefan Ortega currently still at the club.

Trafford believes he can replace Ederson and Jordan Pickford as Man City and England’s No 1s

Man City resigned Trafford from Burnley, where he had played a major role in their promotion

Speaking to The Times, Trafford admitted he has targeted taking Ederson and Pickford’s status as Man City and England’s first choice goalkeepers, respectively.

He insisted that Man City, rather than Newcastle, was the best option for his career.

‘That’s the aim,’ Trafford said.

‘If I do it, it’s brilliant. I know I have to work every day to achieve that because it’s hard being anywhere for a decade, let alone the best team in the world.’

‘There was obviously a decision to make.

‘City were the best option for my career and I obviously believe in myself. I believed this was the right place for me as a goalkeeper.

‘I wasn’t surprised when [City came in for him] but I don’t really think too far ahead. When they did, I thought, “OK, sound”.’

Trafford conceded only 16 goals as Burnley secured promotion back to the Premier League last term, keeping an astonishing 30 Championship clean sheets.

Trafford’s decision was a blow to Newcastle, who had tracked the goalkeeper for over a year

Newcastle eventually moved to sign Aaron Ramsdale on a season-long loan from Southampton

That equalled a 71-year EFL record, set by Port Vale.

At one point Trafford and Burnley went 12 successive league matches without conceding a goal between December and March. 

Trafford, who was part of the England Under-21s squad that won the European Championships in 2023, is still awaiting his first cap for the senior side.

He had been part of the initial 33-man squad for Euro 2024, but ultimately did not make the final 26-man selection.

Trafford, however, was named in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad selection in March and remained in his next selection in May.