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<p>Market Value: €22m</p>
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<p><img alt="James Trafford nearing a return to Manchester City - Remarkable Championship records revealed" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/james-trafford-burnley-1727092872-148882.jpg" title="James Trafford nearing a return to Manchester City - Remarkable Championship records revealed"></img></p>
<p><span>©IMAGO</span></p>
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<p>After leaving the Etihad just two years ago in search of regular first-team play, James Trafford is on the brink of an unexpected return to Manchester City this summer. The standout England U21 goalkeeper, who moved to Burnley in the summer of 2023, is set to rejoin the Sky Blues as Pep Guardiola looks to refresh his goalkeeping lineup. With Ederson’s future uncertain and Stefan Ortega reportedly linked with a transfer, Trafford’s return may indicate a shift in the club’s goalkeeping hierarchy. Trafford’s poise, distribution skills, and shot-stopping abilities have long been recognized within Manchester City, contributing to his current market value of €22 million.</p>
<p>Manchester City holds a €40m buy-back clause for Trafford; however, according to transfer expert <em>Fabrizio Romano</em>, a deal has been struck with Burnley for an amount below that figure. During his first season at Turf Moor in the Premier League, Trafford faced challenges and made some high-profile errors as Vincent Kompany's squad was criticized for their strategy to play from the back, leading to their relegation. Nevertheless, last season in the Championship, Trafford truly showcased his potential by setting a record for the most clean sheets in the division. <em>Transfermarkt</em> delves into the developing deal, Trafford's growth since leaving City, and the implications of his return for the champions’ goalkeeping prospects.</p>
<h2>James Trafford's Championship Clean Sheet Record</h2>
<p>During Burnley's promotion from the Championship last season, the team's success was underpinned by a strong defense. They not only broke but smashed the record for the fewest goals conceded in a single Championship campaign. As shown in the graphic above, Trafford only conceded 16 goals over 46 matches, an incredibly impressive feat. While the Championship may not match the Premier League's level, it remains a competitive league, and Trafford’s and Burnley's accomplishments should not be overlooked.</p>
<p>As depicted above, Trafford set the record for the most clean sheets in a single Championship season as well. He managed to keep an astonishing 29 clean sheets, surpassing the previous record of 24 held by Dorus de Vries at Swansea in the 2009/10 season and John Ruddy at Wolves in the 2017/18 season. Trafford has significantly developed since his departure from Manchester City, but stepping into Ederson's shoes will be a formidable challenge. Nonetheless, it is evident that Trafford is one of the finest young goalkeepers in the country, and this transfer poses a notable setback for Newcastle, who were also in pursuit of his signature this summer.</p>
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