Leeds chase €46m record keeper as Trafford nears move

Vandaag om 07:55 Leeds United are on the brink of completing the signing of 23‑year‑old James Trafford from Manchester City. According to English media the transfer is in its final stage and the club will pay roughly €46 million, excluding bonuses.

The fee would place Trafford as the fourth‑most expensive goalkeeper ever, behind Kepa Arrizabalaga’s €80 million move to Chelsea in 2018, Alisson’s €72.5 million transfer to Liverpool in 2018, Gianluigi Buffon’s €53 million switch to Juventus in 2001 and Andre Onana’s €50 million deal with Manchester United in 2023.

Trafford is expected to become the successor to Karl Darlow, who left Leeds on a free transfer for Manchester United. He joins Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo and Harry Wilson, who departed Fulham on a free, as Leeds’ third summer acquisition.

The English keeper impressed during the 2025 summer season at Burnley, recording a Championship‑record 30 clean sheets and helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League. His performances attracted interest from Newcastle United before Manchester City exercised a buy‑back clause.

Leeds chase record fee to fill goalkeeping void with James Trafford

City paid approximately €36 million to bring Trafford back to the Etihad Stadium a year ago, expecting him to become the first‑choice goalkeeper. However, on the final day of the transfer window the club signed Gianluigi Donnarumma, relegating Trafford to a backup role.

Trafford featured in seventeen official matches for Manchester City last season, keeping all his appearances in the League Cup and the FA Cup and contributing to victories in both competitions. He made his England debut in March and was included in the World Cup squad under manager Thomas Tuchel, albeit as the third‑choice behind Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson.

£40m deal with sell‑on clause sends James Trafford to Leeds

For Leeds, the arrival of Trafford provides a high‑profile, proven shot‑stopper to solidify the defence after Darlow’s departure. For Manchester City, the move frees a squad member who has struggled for playing time, allowing the club to re‑allocate resources.

Overall, the €46 million deal underscores Leeds United’s ambition to strengthen the goalkeeping position while offering James Trafford the opportunity to re‑establish himself as a first‑team regular.