Manchester City have beaten Newcastle United to the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford, with Pep Guardiola’s side reaching an agreement with Burnley. The deal has reportedly been sealed for less than the £40 million ($53.8m) buy-back clause originally set, as City prepare for possible changes in their goalkeeping department ahead of the new season.

• Man City to sign Trafford back from Burnley
• City match £27m Newcastle offer for Trafford
• Trafford to sign five-year deal with option for sixth

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Fabrizio Romano was first to report that Manchester City have agreed to re-sign Trafford from Burnley. The goalkeeper gave his approval to return, with Guardiola personally pushing for the move. Newcastle had also been in the running, but Trafford chose a return to the Etihad Stadium instead.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Manchester City’s renewed interest came after initially showing no intention of re-signing Trafford earlier in the summer. However, the 22-year-old will now join Ederson and Stefan Ortega in the Cityzens' goalkeeping group ahead of the new season. With Ederson publicly denying exit rumours and expected to stay, attention now turns to Stefan Ortega, who remains linked with a Bundesliga return.

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  Per , Newcastle had made a concrete £27 million offer for Trafford back in May, but City, who had the right to match any bids for the goalkeeper, have now done the same to reclaim their former prospect. Trafford is reportedly set to sign a five-year deal, with the option for an additional year, marking a full-circle return just two years after leaving the club.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR TRAFFORD?

  City are keen on completing the deal for Trafford before the start of their delayed pre-season and compete with Ortega for the backup role behind Ederson. If Ortega departs before the window closes, Trafford could immediately step into the top backup spot and look to challenge the Brazilian for the starting spot as this season progresses.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News