‘Stefan Ortega decision confirmed amid James Trafford to Man City twist’
Stefan Ortega’s Manchester City future may be sealed amid the latest update regarding James Trafford.
Trafford left the Etihad for Burnley in 2023 following his exploits in England’s Uefa European Under-21 Championship triumph.
Since then, the 22-year-old has played 73 times across all competitions and last season, kept an incredible 29 clean sheets in 45 Championship appearances as the Clarets earned an immediate return to the top-flight.
That form has sparked rumours of a big summer move for Trafford, and Football Insider recently revealed that Newcastle United have already had multiple bids rejected for the goalkeeper.
Man City lining up James Trafford bid
Sky Sports reported on Saturday (19 July) that Manchester City have approached Burnley to explore the possibility of re-signing Trafford.
The Cityzens are understood to have a £40million buyback clause on Trafford, but want to negotiate a cheaper deal.
| 2024/25 Championship stats | James Trafford |
| Appearances | 45 |
| Goals conceded | 16 |
| Clean sheets | 29 |
| Saves | 88 |
This update comes amid speculation regarding the futures of both Ederson and Ortega at the Etihad Stadium. The former has been heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, with City holding concerns over his fitness.
Naturally, should Trafford leave Turf Moor, Burnley would be in the market for a new goalkeeper.
Burnley eyeing Stefan Ortega to replace Trafford
Trafford’s return to City has the strong potential to provide Ortega with an inadvertent solution to his own search for more regular games.
The German stopper has proven himself an excellent deputy to Ederson and has managed 56 appearances across all competitions since joining from Arminia Bielefeld in 2022.
However, Ortega turns 33 during the upcoming season and will be eager to find a new home where he can command the No.1 jersey as he enjoys his prime goalkeeping years.
Sky’s report states Ortega — who has just one more year to run on his contract — is ‘one of a number’ of goalkeeping options Burnley are looking at, and City will perhaps feel they can use their current back-up as a pawn in negotiations for Trafford.
Man City have already been very busy this summer, with Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki among their major signings, while club legends Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker have both departed.