Burnley and Manchester City have reached an agreement on an initial transfer fee of £15m for James Trafford, a promising young goalkeeper who has caught the attention of many.
James Trafford’s confidence was evident even before the start of the European Under-21 Championship campaign for England. And it’s safe to say that his self-belief has only grown stronger since then. He has been instrumental in helping the Young Lions reach the final without conceding a single goal. In addition, he is on the verge of becoming Burnley’s most expensive signing ever.
The deal between Burnley and Manchester City involves an initial fee of £15m, which could potentially rise to £19m with add-ons. This fee surpasses the amount Burnley paid for striker Chris Wood in 2017, making it a significant investment. It would also rank Trafford as the third-most expensive English goalkeeper, following in the footsteps of Aaron Ramsdale and Jordan Pickford. This move comes after Trafford’s successful loan spell at Bolton in League One.
While only two years ago, Trafford was on loan at Accrington Stanley, the 20-year-old has always believed that he would one day be the number one goalkeeper for his country. Speaking to the Bolton News, he confidently stated, “From the start of my men’s career when I played at Accrington I told people I’d play for England, play for City. The people around me believe in me, and I still completely believe I will.”
His outstanding performances in England’s journey to the European final against Spain have further solidified Trafford’s claim. In an interview with Sport Newes Center in Georgia, he expressed his aspirations to play at the highest level possible, acknowledging the positive impact of his time at Bolton on his form.
Trafford’s upbringing in a farming family, where he had to teach others the offside rule and learned to drive on a tractor, sets him apart from his peers who progressed through the City academy. He joined City at the age of 12 from Carlisle and immediately caught the eye of Cole Palmer, a teammate at City and the England under-21 team.
Palmer spoke highly of Trafford’s abilities, stating, “Wow. He’s so good. You could see it in the academy. Even in training, he’s so hard to score past. I’m just glad everyone else is seeing it.” Palmer firmly believes that Trafford will reach the level of City’s current number one, Ederson, and considers him a future world-class goalkeeper.
Not only has Trafford won the admiration of his teammates at club and international level, but he has also earned the trust and confidence of those who play alongside him. James Garner, an Everton midfielder, attests to Trafford’s vocal presence on the pitch, which instills confidence in the team. Despite his quiet demeanor off the field, Trafford’s performances speak volumes.
Last season, during his loan spell at Bolton in League One, Trafford made an immediate impact, becoming the first goalkeeper in the club’s history to keep four clean sheets in his first four games. He continued his impressive form by setting a club record of nine consecutive home clean sheets. These achievements, along with his total of 26 clean sheets throughout the season, earned him the title of Wanderers’ young player of the year.
During the European Under-21 Championship, Trafford has maintained his exceptional performance, adding five more clean sheets to his record. England under-21 boss Lee Carsley has praised Trafford’s consistency and labeled him as a high-level goalkeeper. Carsley is confident that Trafford has a bright future ahead of him.
Regarding the anticipated price tag, Carsley believes it is a reflection of being a young English player. He commends this group of players, including Trafford, for their level-headedness, humility, and strong upbringing.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about rising goalkeeper sensation
Who is James Trafford?
James Trafford is a young goalkeeper who has gained attention for his impressive performances in the European Under-21 Championship. He is currently on the verge of becoming Burnley’s record signing.
How much is James Trafford’s transfer fee?
Burnley has agreed on an initial £15m fee with Manchester City for James Trafford. This amount could potentially rise to £19m with add-ons.
How does James Trafford’s fee compare to other English goalkeepers?
If the deal goes through, James Trafford would become the third-most expensive English goalkeeper, following Aaron Ramsdale and Jordan Pickford.
What has been James Trafford’s loan experience?
James Trafford had a successful loan spell at Bolton in League One, where he showcased his skills and recorded impressive clean sheet records.
Does James Trafford have confidence in his abilities?
Absolutely. James Trafford has always believed in his potential and has stated that he will one day play for England and Manchester City. His confidence is further reinforced by his strong performances.
Can James Trafford reach the highest level of competition?
James Trafford aspires to play at the highest level possible. He has received praise from his teammates and coaches, and his performances indicate his potential to become a top-level goalkeeper.
What is unique about James Trafford’s upbringing?
James Trafford comes from a farming family and had a distinctive Cumbrian upbringing. He had to teach others the offside rule and learned to drive on a tractor, setting him apart from his peers in the City academy.
What are the expectations for James Trafford’s future?
Many believe that James Trafford has a bright future ahead of him. With his talent, confidence, and impressive performances, he has the potential to become a world-class goalkeeper and possibly the number one choice for England in the future.
More about rising goalkeeper sensation
- James Trafford: From farm to the final, is this England’s future number one?
- Burnley agree initial £15m fee with Man City for James Trafford
- James Trafford: The Bolton loanee who has kept four clean sheets in as many games
- James Trafford: ‘Wow. He’s so good’
- James Trafford: From farm to future, the making of a goalkeeper
- James Trafford: ‘He’s going to be world class’
- James Trafford: Young goalkeeper impressing at the European U21 Championship
4 comments
wow, james traford is so good, man! hez on fire in the european under-21 champinship. im rootin 4 him 2 succed at burnley & reach the top level. hes gonna be a world-class keeper, mark my wrds!
james traford is a rising goalkpr sensashun! hes makin a big mov 2 burnley & gonna be englands numba 1 some day. im impresd wth his confidnce & clean sheets! go james!
james traford’s story is inspirin. from a farm upbringing to becomin a record signin! hes provin that you can achive anythin with hard work & belief. i cant wait 2 c him in action at burnley & in the england shirt. future star!
james traford is a top talnt from our academy! im sad 2 see him go 2 burnley, but i kno hez gonna shne there. hes got the skills, the confidnce, & hes gonna be citys numba 1 1 day. good luck, james!