The PA news agency understands City will pay £27million for the England Under-21 international, beating Newcastle to his signing after activating a matching rights clause that was included when Trafford was sold to Burnley for £14million in 2023.
Trafford joined City’s academy at the age of 12 and preferred a return to the club over the Magpies, agreeing to a five-year contract that includes the option of a further 12 months.
Trafford’s arrival could see German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, 32, depart in search of a regular starting spot, with the club keen on keeping regular number one Ederson despite speculation linking the Brazilian with a move away.
Trafford never made a first-team appearance for City in his first stint at the club, spending time on loan at Accrington and Bolton before former City captain Vincent Kompany signed him for Burnley in the summer of 2023 following their promotion to the Premier League.
He lost his starting place late in the season as Burnley struggled defensively on their way to relegation, but was nevertheless called into Gareth Southgate’s England squad in March 2024 following an impressive under-21s career.
Trafford was included in Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2024 but did not make the final cut. He has been included in each of Thomas Tuchel’s first two England squads as he awaits his international debut.
Last season, Trafford helped Scott Parker’s Burnley side set new defensive records on their way to promotion from the Championship, conceding only 16 goals in 45 games – including a remarkable night when he saved two late penalties in a crucial draw with promotion rivals Sunderland.
His departure from Turf Moor will be a setback for Parker as the defence on which last season’s success was built further fractures following the loss of CJ Egan-Riley to Marseille on a free transfer.
Trafford’s decision to choose City is also another disappointment for Newcastle in a transfer window that has seen them miss out on several targets.
