‘It will get done’ – Top source: Man City about to complete marquee signing
James Trafford’s transfer from Burnley to Manchester City “will go through” according to a former Premier League CEO.
The 22-year-old left City to join the Clarets back in the summer of 2023, but is now expected to make the move back to the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola’s side inserted a £40million buy-back clause in the deal when they sold the England Under-21 international, although they are currently trying to negotiate a fee under that price.
Trafford had looked set to move to Newcastle United, but it seems that City have hijacked the deal and the Magpies will miss out on yet another transfer target.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – revealed that from what he has heard, Trafford’s move to Man City will go through.
‘Guardiola will challenge Trafford at City’
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Trafford will shine upon his return to the Eithad, and that it is a very good deal for Man City to complete.
The Burnley shot-stopper came through the academy at the Manchester club, but never made an appearance for the senior side.
Wyness added that Guardiola will have a number of goalkeepers vying for the number one spot, which will keep Trafford on his toes.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “From all the signs and from what I’m hearing, Trafford is the one that will come back in.
“I think it fits Pep’s new sort of approach in the sense that he’s got a younger keeper coming in, a very talented keeper, and that brings in its own energy into the squad and the dressing room.
“There’s a lot to be said that dressing rooms can go stale to a certain degree and you need to keep changing the personnel.
“Normally, you like stability with the keeper, but in this case Trafford brings the expertise, the skill, but also that young energy and a bit of change. I think that’s as important in what Pep’s trying to create in terms of the mindset and reinvigorating the whole City squad.
“I do think the Trafford deal will go through. As you say, he’s going back to City, so that’s not really a big leap for him. What a great place for him to go. I think it’s a major step for him and his career, and I think he can shine there.
“Pep will have a competitor right on his tail, and there’ll be a couple of people vying for his spot to keep him on his toes. I think Trafford to City is a very good deal.”
Man City to lose Silva for free
Meanwhile, Man City could be set to lose Bernardo Silva for free as his agent opens talks with other clubs, sources have told Football Insider.
Silva was one of several players tipped to leave Man City at the end of last season, and as a client of ‘super-agent’ Jorge Mendes, the 30-year-old would have no shortage of suitors were this to happen.
Football Insider revealed that reported interest from Real Madrid has been rebuffed by Man City, after Guardiola made Silva central to next season’s plans by appointing him captain.
However, sources have told Football Insider that as Silva is yet to be offered new terms by City with his current deal set to expire in June 2026, Mendes is exploring options for the Portuguese as a potential free agent.
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