RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 3 sourcesLeeds United have agreed to a club-record move for England international goalkeeper James Trafford, as per journalist David Ornstein .
Daniel Farke’s side set their sights on the 23-year-old goalkeeper and have managed to convince Manchester City to part ways with him on a permanent basis.
The Yorkshire club will pay £40 million plus add-ons to sign the former Burnley man, who was at the FIFA World Cup this summer.
Trafford will get a chance to be first-choice between the sticks at Elland Road, having spent most of the 2025-26 season on the bench at Manchester City.
The Cityzens re-signed academy graduate Trafford after a fine season at Burley in the Championship with the aim of having him start between the sticks for them.
The signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma a few weeks later put paid to his ambition of starting regularly, and he became the club’s go-to man for cup competitions.
Trafford made just 17 appearances across all competitions for Manchester City and has now decided to leave the club in search of regular minutes.
His £40 million fee would exceed the previous club record of £35.5 million paid for Georginio Rutter in January 2023.
They have been active in this window, bringing in defender Tarik Muharemovic and forward Harry Wilson.
Why Leeds United is perfect for James Trafford
James Trafford is moving to Leeds United at a time when their number one shirt is up for grabs.
Leeds United have let go of two of their three senior goalkeepers from the 2025-26 season, leaving them very light in the goalkeeping department.
Karl Darlow, who played over half of their Premier League games, has left the club to join Manchester United as a free agent.
Similarly, Illan Meslier has moved to Arsenal for free, as well, leaving only Lucas Perri at the club.
Perri failed to perform consistently for the club, leading to their pursuit of Trafford this summer.
James Trafford is one of the best young goalkeepers in the world and has been touted as England’s next number one.
The move to Elland Road will give him the perfect platform to launch his career as a top-flight goalkeeper, and is an opportunity he will grab with both hands.
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