Manchester City have finalised a deal to re-sign England Under-21 goalkeeper James Trafford from Burnley in a move worth £27 million ($36.3 million), matching Newcastle United’s earlier bid.

Trafford has agreed to a five-year contract, with an optional one-year extension, and will rejoin City’s goalkeeping ranks alongside Ederson and Stefan Ortega.

Trafford originally left City in June 2023 but caught attention with his performance at Burnley, particularly under manager Scott Parker, helping them gain automatic promotion back to the Premier League.

“Talks of my exit were fake news,” City’s current No. 1 Ederson said, hinting at his continued stay despite prior transfer speculation. Ortega’s future remains uncertain.

Trafford’s development at Burnley—where he conceded just 16 goals in 45 games last season—has earned praise. Though he didn’t make England’s final Euro 2024 squad, he was part of the provisional list. His return signals City’s intent to strengthen their squad depth ahead of the new season.

Newcastle, meanwhile, will continue their search for a goalkeeping reinforcement after missing out on Trafford and several other summer targets.