Leeds United set to agree £40m deal for James Trafford from Manchester City
Leeds United is reportedly nearing an agreement to sign goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City in a deal valued at £40 million, plus potential bonuses. This transfer would make Trafford the fourth-most expensive goalkeeper in history. The 23-year-old is expected to become Leeds’ third summer signing, following the arrivals of Tarik Muharemovic and Harry Wilson.
Trafford’s anticipated move comes after he returned to Manchester City last year with the expectation of being the first-choice goalkeeper. However, the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma on deadline day meant Trafford served as an understudy, a situation he expressed was not what he anticipated. He made 17 appearances in the 2025-26 campaign, playing in all Carabao Cup and FA Cup matches as City secured both trophies.
Trafford’s Career Path and Potential Impact
Before his recent stint at Manchester City, Trafford had limited Premier League experience. He played for Burnley during their 2023-24 relegation season, where he conceded 62 goals in 28 games. Despite these numbers, the experience was considered valuable for his development. He later had a successful season in the second tier, conceding only 16 times in 45 games as Burnley achieved promotion back to the Premier League.
Trafford’s journey also includes loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers. His former goalkeeping coach at Bolton, Matt Gilks, described him as having an “athletic profile” and a “steely mentality.” Gilks highlighted Trafford’s ability to deal with setbacks and his strong reflexes and power. His time in League One with Bolton is believed to have contributed to his mental toughness.
The goalkeeper is also noted for his ball-playing ability, a skill honed during his time at Manchester City’s academy. Gilks mentioned that Trafford demonstrated the capacity to play through the lines and find teammates, which is crucial for goalkeepers at the highest level.
International Recognition and Leeds’ Goalkeeping Situation
Trafford has earned two senior caps for the England national side and is seen by some as a future number one for the country. He kept six clean sheets during England U21s’ successful European Championship campaign in 2023 and was part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad at the World Cup this summer, though he did not play in the tournament.
Leeds United is actively seeking a new goalkeeper, particularly after Karl Darlow, who finished last season as the number one, moved to Manchester United on a free transfer. Lucas Perri remains with the club but was displaced by Darlow during the 2025-26 season, and Alex Cairns is also in the squad. Reports suggest that Newcastle United had also shown interest in Trafford earlier this summer.
The potential acquisition of Trafford is viewed as a significant move for Leeds. He would likely become the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper at Elland Road, a role he sought after his limited playing time at Manchester City. Leeds correspondent Beren Cross noted that Trafford is considered one of Europe’s rising goalkeeping stars and could start for many Premier League teams. The club aims for Trafford to be their long-term solution in goal.
Source: skysports.com