James Trafford has been linked over the past few days to rejoin Manchester City. The 22-year-old had been mainly expected to remain as Burnley’s number 1 throughout their return season in the Premier League.
However, it’s looking likely that Manchester City have secured his signature as they continue their summer transfer activity. After letting him go for £19 million back in 2023, City are re-signing him for an estimated £27 million through their buy-back clause.
Buy-back clauses have been increasingly standard in the modern game, with elite clubs such as Manchester City instilling them in many of their transfer agreements with their academy prospects. But can they be detrimental in some circumstances, and what could it mean for a player such as Trafford?
What’s in the City Move for Trafford?
Embed from Getty ImagesThe potential move for Trafford to City has many obvious positives, regardless of the player’s previous links to the club. A step up to City might seem like a big leap for Trafford, however, he might likely spend next season playing a semi-backup role instead of first team choice for the Citizens.
It is suggested that current second-choice keeper Stefan Ortega is set to leave and likely join Sunderland. Furthermore, City’s number 1, Ederson, has only one year left on his contract with the club, and it is suggested that he will not be staying longer than that.
This represents an opportunity for Trafford to make an initial mark back at City. Moreover, returning to the club that Trafford was at only two years ago makes sense. The player can settle into a familiar environment and well-established playing style at an elite team, which will only benefit Trafford in creating a more significant mark at an elite level.
City’s Previous Use of Buy-Back Clauses
Embed from Getty ImagesManchester City, as well as other prominent Premier League academy clubs, have utilised buy-back clauses. For instance, one of City’s most successful buy-back initiatives was with Angeliño. After being sold in 2018, the player re-signed for the club after impressing at PSV Eindhoven. Angeliño only made a handful more appearances for Manchester City, and was later sold at a decent profit to RB Leipzig.
City have implemented buy-back clauses on many other previous players. This has included Roméo Lavia and Pedro Porro, who now play for Chelsea and Tottenham respectively. However, City triggered neither of these buy-back clauses, missing out on potential profit or signing elite players at a bargain price.
Concerns With Buy-Back Clauses
The advantages of buy-back clauses therefore predominantly reside with the elite selling club. These clubs can have a control over talent, as well as have the ability to resign below market value if they excel. Moreover, if they do not, the club does not have an incentive to further invest in the player.
The disadvantages of these clauses however lie bare for the subordinate club and/or player. In the case of Trafford, Burnley were likely preparing for the player to be their number one this season. The club will now likely have to make a transfer of their own to replace Trafford. Even more so, buy-back clauses mean that elite clubs continue to hoard talented players. This will force smaller clubs to be charged a financial premium or risk uncertainty to retain elite talent.