Trafford rejoins City, Felix off to Saudi

England Under-21s goalkeeper James Trafford's return to Manchester City fulfils a dream he had of going back to his former club.

Trafford has signed a five-year contract with the side he left for Burnley in 2023 after City activated a £27million (€31.2m) buy-back clause.

"Rejoining City is such a special and proud moment both for me and my family. I always dreamed that one day I would be able to come back to Manchester City," said the 22-year-old.

"This is the place I call home – it’s a truly special football club with fantastic people who make it such a unique place to work and play.

"I am also very excited and honoured to have been given the opportunity to work under Pep and with such a world-class group of players.

"I am still very young and hungry to keep learning and improving – and I know there is no better environment than Manchester City to help make me become the best goalkeeper I can be.

"I will do everything I can to help this great club look to achieve even more success."

Trafford, who will wear the number one shirt, becomes the club’s sixth signing of the summer after Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders, Marcus Bettinelli, Rayan Cherki and Sverre Nypan.

He joined City’s academy in 2015 but after loans at Accrington and Bolton the need for regular first-team football – with Ederson still the man to displace at the Etihad Stadium – took him to Turf Moor.

"When I had the opportunity to go to Burnley I thought it was the right step for me in that moment and in the long-term it was to achieve to come back here. I’m happy that I’ve achieved it," he added.

"We fully believe he will be really successful and a top goalkeeper for Manchester City and the national team" - Hugo Viana

City intend to retain the 31-year-old Ederson so Trafford will still have to get past an established number one.

City’s sporting director Hugo Viana said: "James is already one of the most accomplished young goalkeepers in the English game, and we are delighted to welcome him back to Manchester City.

"We feel he is an ideal fit for this squad and will bring great quality to the goalkeeping department.

"We fully believe he will be really successful and a top goalkeeper for Manchester City and the national team.

"I also have no doubt that working with Pep and the technical staff here at City will only see James further develop his abilities."

Joao Felix is on the move again

Joao Felix has left Chelsea to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr on a permanent deal.

The 25-year-old Portugal international moved to Stamford Bridge from Atletico Madrid last summer, having had an earlier spell with the Blues on loan in 2023.

He made 20 appearances for Enzo Maresca's side in the first half of the season – but started only three Premier League games – before leaving for AC Milan on loan in January.

"We thank Joao for his efforts across his two spells at the club and wish him well for the future," Chelsea said in the statement.

Felix has signed a two-year contract with his new club. Al-Nassr have reportedly paid an initial €30m transfer fee, although add-ons could see that rise as high as €50m – close to the sum Chelsea paid Atletico for his services last summer.

He joins his Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, who announced his arrival with a short video on social media in which Felix said: "I am here to spread joy. Let’s win together."

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