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Manchester City re-sign goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley

Trafford has left Burnley to return to City
Trafford has left Burnley to return to CityMI News / NurPhoto / Shutterstock / Profimedia

Manchester City have re-signed goalkeeper James Trafford in a deal worth up to £31 million, making the 22-year-old the most expensive British goalkeeper in history.

City confirmed the fee to be £27 million plus add-ons, while Burnley claim the total package could reach £31 million.

The transfer surpasses the £30 million Everton paid to Sunderland for Jordan Pickford in 2017.

Trafford, a graduate of the Citizens' academy, returns to the Etihad just two years after leaving for Burnley in a deal worth up to £19 million.

After a tough first season ending in relegation, he equalled a record 29 clean sheets last term to help the Clarets bounce back to the Premier League.

Despite interest from Newcastle, Trafford opted for a move back to Manchester with City exercising a buy-back clause to secure his return.

The England U21 international has signed a five-year contract and will wear the No. 1 shirt for City.

"Rejoining City is such a special and proud moment both for me and my family," said Trafford in a statement.

"This is the place I call home - it's a truly special football club.

"I am still very young and hungry to keep learning and improving - and I know there is no better environment than Manchester City to help make me become the best goalkeeper I can be."

Trafford is City's sixth signing this summer, following Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, Sverre Nypan and fellow shot-stopper Marcus Bettinelli's moves.

Pep Guardiola's men are next in action against Palermo on 9 August.