James Trafford bids farewell in ‘incredible’ message as Burnley exit confirmed
James Trafford called one of his former team-mates “incredible” in the wake of Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League.
Scott Parker‘s Clarets are back in the top-flight at the first attempt and join Leeds United in the Premier League automatically next term, after the two sides accumulated 100-point tallies for the first time ever.
Burnley were pipped to the title by Leeds’ superior goal difference, but their defensive displays this term have shattered almost every Championship record, with just 16 goals conceded across their 46 games.
Trafford alone has kept 29 clean sheets and number two Vaclav Hladky added another for the Clarets, who have given themselves the perfect defensive foundations to build on when in the Premier League.
Trafford remembers Bolton achievements in ‘incredible’ message
Burnley’s number one has broken Championship records aplenty this term ahead of his second attempt at the Premier League, after Trafford’s first ended with the Clarets’ relegation and just two clean sheets.
The 22-year-old shot-stopper, who has risen up the ranks to become England’s third-choice goalkeeper under Thomas Tuchel, took time out of Burnley’s promotion celebrations to address a former team-mate.
Trafford made his name at Bolton Wanderers across two separate loan spells in 2022 and 2023, and his displays in League One and the EFL Trophy resulted in that £15million move to Burnley two years ago.
After the Trotters announced that their long-time captain Ricardo Santos would be released at the end of his contract this summer, Trafford took to social media to wish the 29-year-old well for the future.
Santos was tagged in Trafford’s post on his Instagram story (7 May), which read: “Incredible player and even better man – thank you for everything you did for me and the memories we made, love you.”
Burnley braced for James Trafford transfer offers
Trafford’s position between the sticks at Turf Moor is undisputed ahead of their return to the top-flight, but a number of already-established Premier League sides are increasingly keen on the young keeper.
Chelsea and Newcastle are fond of the 22-year-old, and ex-Man United scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Eddie Howe is ready to hatch a plan to bring his top target Trafford to St. James’ Park.
Burnley’s business has already begun this summer with Chelsea’s Bashir Humphreys one of four loanees signed permanently, but their number one priority will be to ensure that Trafford doesn’t go anywhere.