English goalkeeper James Trafford is set to join Burnley from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £19million.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the documents are being prepared for James Trafford’s move to Burnley.
The 20-year-old had impressed while on loan with Bolton last year. He is now on the verge of securing the number one spot at a Premier League side.
Trafford’s fee has raised many eyebrows, with the goalkeeper only having played to a League One level in his career. The reported fee is £14m, which could rise to £19m if add-ons are completed.
So, for such a fee, what kind of player is Vincent Kompany getting?
Who is James Trafford?
In Trafford, Burnley are getting a young ‘keeper with huge potential, despite his lack of high level experience.
The England U21 star made 52 appearances for Bolton last season, keeping 26 clean sheets and only conceding 38 goals. Most impressively he had a save percentage of 78.8% (via FBRef), he was a nearly unbeatable prospect for his opponents.
What will make good reading for Kompany is that Trafford clearly has the City ‘keeper gene which enables elite distribution, this exemplified by his assist last season according to FBRef.
Clearly he is a level above League One and could be ready for the step up, but is he a good fit for Kompany’s Burnley?
Well, if Trafford’s City academy teammate is to be believed, Burnley may look back on this deal as a bargain.
Cole Palmer believes that the ‘keeper has “world class potential”, as he thrives for England at the Euro u21 Championships.
Trafford is brave on the ball, encouraged by his midfield playing days and the fact he wasn’t supposed to be a goalkeeper. This will give Kompany extra confidence on the young player’s suitability to possession play.
Many likely didn’t know who Trafford was, due to Bolton not being a widely watched team. But his Euro performances will have awoken fans to his ability, he could be the perfect number one for Burnley’s new Premier League adventure.