Chelsea Are Keeping Tabs On This Burnley Keeper: Should Maresca Get Him On Board? | OneFootball

In a recent report, The Sun mentioned that Chelsea are keeping tabs on Burnley keeper John Trafford. It has been stated that the Blues are eyeing a move to bring the English custodian to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Trafford’s Impressive Numbers In The EFL Championship

Trafford is having an excellent campaign in the EFL Championship as he has put in a string of impressive displays in goal for Burnley. The 22-year-old has kept 29 clean sheets and conceded just 15 goals in 44 matches for his current employers this season in all competitions.

The English talent has done well to average 1.0 clearances and 4.7 long balls per 90 minutes in the EFL Championship. However, he has lacked accuracy when distributing the ball from the back after making 70.2% of his attempted passes in the second tier of English football (stats via whoscored).

His current contract at Turf Moor will run out in the summer of 2027. Hence, Chelsea would have to make a convincing offer if they are serious about recruiting Trafford at the end of this campaign.

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – JANUARY 27: James Trafford of Burnley looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Burnley FC and Leeds United FC at Turf Moor on January 27, 2025 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Should Chelsea Boss Enzo Maresca Get Trafford On Board?

Trafford has proven himself to be a safe pair of hands in between the sticks for Burnley this season. He can use his quick reflexes to make some timely saves for his team and is a good handler of the ball as well.

Standing at 1.92m, the English sensation is a towering presence inside his penalty box. However, he has to figure out a way to improve his ball distribution if he wants to succeed in top-flight football.

At 22, Trafford has got a bright future ahead of him as long as he continues to improve with each season. We can expect him to enhance the quality of Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca’s goalkeeping department.

Trafford has what it takes to nail down a regular starting spot at Stamford Bridge in the coming seasons. Therefore, the Blues would be wise to get him on board in this summer transfer window.

However, Trafford might need some time to adjust to life at the West London club and prove his worth in the Premier League, so Maresca would have to be patient with his progress over the next few years.