Fabrizio Romano says ‘terrific’ player is now set to join Man City, the deal is done

The blue half of Manchester is no stranger to dominance, drama, and dynamic transfer activity. But even by their own high standards, this summer has been one of the most intense and action-packed in Manchester City’s recent history. Now, another twist has emerged, and it may just be the most symbolic move of the lot. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are closing in on their sixth signing of the transfer window — and it’s someone who already knows the club inside out. That man is James Trafford.

Yes, the young goalkeeper who once slipped through their fingers is now coming home. After letting him join Burnley just a year ago, Manchester City are activating the £40 million buy-back clause they cleverly inserted into the deal. It’s a bold move, and it says a lot about what Pep Guardiola wants for the future of this team.

But before we dive deep into this major development, let’s take a step back. Let’s look at the bigger picture that shows a club trying to rebuild itself after a season that did not go according to plan — by City’s lofty standards. With already five signings confirmed, Trafford’s return is the cherry on top of what has been a deliberate, strategic, and at times aggressive summer overhaul.

Let’s take you through every angle of this blockbuster summer, the significance of James Trafford’s return, and why this deal could shape City’s next few seasons in ways fans may not fully understand yet.

The Painful Reality of Last Season

To understand City’s urgency this summer, you need to understand what happened last season. For a club that had just come off a treble-winning campaign the year before, expectations were sky-high. But what followed was underwhelming. They were beaten to the Premier League title by Arsenal and failed to make a serious run in the Champions League.

The energy looked off. The midfield lacked control in key games. The rotation players weren’t stepping up. Even Pep Guardiola seemed more tense and animated than usual on the sidelines. Something was clearly broken — or at least cracked. And City’s response? Rip it all apart and rebuild.

They weren’t going to wait for the problems to fix themselves.

Stage One of the Rebuild: Fast and Furious

Before anyone could blink, Manchester City had already kicked off their summer by spending big and spending smart. The first wave of signings were clearly chosen to add depth, youth, and versatility — everything City lacked last season.

Tijjani Reijnders came in to provide midfield balance and carry the ball forward with grace. The Dutchman, known for his composure and technical skill, was the type of player Guardiola could mould into something special. Then came Rayan Cherki, the unpredictable and flamboyant attacker from Lyon. With footwork straight out of a street football film, Cherki was brought in to bring flair and final-third unpredictability — the kind City sorely missed when the likes of Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish were off-form.

Marcus Bettinelli might not be the headline signing, but as a backup goalkeeper, he’s reliable, experienced, and ready to play his role quietly. Meanwhile, Rayan Ait-Nouri’s arrival added real competition at left-back, with his defensive tenacity and attacking instincts giving Guardiola a new tactical weapon.

And let’s not forget Sverre Nypan — the teenage Norwegian gem from Rosenborg. A signing for the future, yes, but in Pep’s world, young players can go from unknown to undroppable very quickly.

So that’s five new faces through the door, and City weren’t done yet.

Goalkeeper Gamble: The Trafford Twist

If you had asked City fans at the start of the summer what area the club didn’t need to touch, most would have pointed to the goalkeeping department. Ederson, after all, is considered one of the best in the world with his feet, and Stefan Ortega has proven to be more than capable as a backup. So why spend £40 million on a 21-year-old goalkeeper you sold just last year?

Because Guardiola doesn’t think like the rest of us.

According to Fabrizio Romano, City have agreed a deal to bring James Trafford back from Burnley. And they’re doing it not just because of potential — but because of urgency. Something is clearly happening behind the scenes with Ederson. Whispers have emerged in the press about interest from Saudi Arabia. Some claim the Brazilian is unsettled, tired, or simply looking for a new challenge.

Whether Ederson leaves this window or next, City don’t want to be caught out.

James Trafford: From Academy Boy to £40m Star

James Trafford’s story is one of City’s most intriguing. Once a highly-rated academy product, he was allowed to leave for Burnley in 2023 for £19 million. At the time, it felt like a good move for everyone. Trafford needed game time, and City had a world-class keeper already.

But what’s fascinating is that City made sure to include a £40 million buy-back clause. That’s not the kind of thing you throw into a deal unless you know something. Unless you believe that player could explode in the next 12-24 months.

And explode he did. Despite Burnley’s relegation battle, Trafford was one of the few shining lights. Commanding in the box, confident with his feet, vocal, and blessed with lightning reflexes — Trafford showed maturity beyond his years. England U21 staff were impressed. Scouts were taking notes. And City? City were watching it all with a knowing smile.

Now, a year later, they’re cashing in on their foresight.

Why Trafford Fits Guardiola’s Vision

Pep Guardiola has never been shy about demanding perfection from his goalkeepers — not just in terms of shot-stopping, but in how they participate in the buildup. Ederson changed the game when he arrived. He became an 11th outfield player. But Guardiola isn’t sentimental. He’s ruthless when it comes to evolution.

James Trafford’s distribution is exceptional. His ability to pick out long passes, clip balls into midfield, and resist pressure mirrors what made Ederson so vital at his peak. But Trafford is also younger, more agile, and hungrier. He’s got something to prove.

There’s a quiet belief at City that Trafford isn’t just returning to be a backup. If Ederson does leave this summer or next, Trafford could be the long-term No.1. That’s why this signing — while not as headline-grabbing as a new striker or winger — could be the most important of them all.

Guardiola’s Hidden Clues in Preseason

Another fascinating twist in this story is that Guardiola may have already hinted at Trafford’s return during preseason. Several training ground clips from City’s early sessions this month showed Guardiola joking with players about new arrivals, goalkeeping standards, and ‘the young lad we let go’.

While no names were mentioned on camera, insider sources claim Trafford was always a name that Pep rated highly. The fact that Trafford has already trained under Guardiola in the past means the adaptation phase will be smoother than most.

Some fans have even pointed out that Guardiola smiled when asked about Trafford earlier this month — a smile that may have been the grin of a man who knew what was coming.

A New Era at City?

With Trafford’s signing, Manchester City are signaling more than just a transfer. They’re showing that the rebuild isn’t just about replacing the old — it’s about shaping the future. Young, hungry, and fearless players are being brought in. There’s a clear strategy to lower the average age of the squad while still competing at the highest level.

City’s summer signings now look like this:

1. Tijjani Reijnders
2. Rayan Cherki
3. Marcus Bettinelli
4. Rayan Ait-Nouri
5. Sverre Nypan
6. James Trafford

Six players. One mission. Reclaim dominance.

What About Ederson?

The biggest question now is: what happens to Ederson? Will he accept being rotated with Trafford? Or will he push for a move?

Saudi clubs have been circling. Some reports suggest that Ederson has already held informal talks. City are likely to let him go if the right bid comes in — possibly north of £45 million. That would mean selling Ederson for more than they paid for Trafford, creating a perfect financial loop.

If Ederson stays, Trafford may play cup games and Champions League group matches to build experience. If Ederson goes, Trafford could be fast-tracked into the starting XI. Either way, Guardiola has built himself options — and control.

The Bigger Picture

This summer is a reminder that even the most successful clubs must adapt. City aren’t just reacting to failure. They’re preparing for the future. Trafford’s return is part of that vision.

And let’s not forget — other big moves could still happen. Alexander Isak is still being linked. Joao Cancelo is likely to leave. There may be another midfielder on the way if De Bruyne’s injury issues persist. But with Trafford secured, the backbone of the new-look City is taking shape.

This is a team in transition — but not in crisis. A team reinventing itself — but not rebuilding from scratch.

City fans should be excited. The next generation is arriving. And James Trafford, the prodigal son, is back where he belongs.

Conclusion

As Manchester City close in on the sixth signing of this hectic transfer window, it’s clear that James Trafford’s return isn’t just a transaction — it’s a turning point. A calculated, forward-thinking move that reflects Pep Guardiola’s masterplan.

City are not just spending money — they’re spending with purpose. Trafford’s £40m return is symbolic of a club that refuses to sit still, refuses to grow old, and refuses to watch rivals like Liverpool and Arsenal rise without a response.

With a mix of youth, flair, and intelligence, this summer could be remembered as the one where City prepared not just for the season ahead — but for a new era.

The story is still unfolding. But one thing’s clear: Manchester City are back in control.