Leeds CONFIRM £45m British Man City England keeper James Trafford

Leeds United have confirmed the signing of England goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City for a total of £40 million plus £5 million in add‑ons, a record £45 million fee that makes him the most expensive British goalkeeper ever. The move addresses Leeds' goalkeeping void after the summer departures of Karl Darlow and Ilan Meslier, leaving the club eager for a clear No 1.

By LEWIS BROWNING, SPORTS REPORTER and WILL PICKWORTH, SPORTS REPORTER

Published: 19:22 BST, 6 August 2026 | Updated: 19:33 BST, 6 August 2026

Leeds, based in Yorkshire, will count on Trafford to become the first‑choice shot‑stopper, a role he expected to claim at Manchester City when he arrived last summer under Pep Guardiola. His progress stalled after the Etihad signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint‑Germain, pushing Trafford down the pecking order.

Trafford, 23, arrived at City for £27 million from Burnley, having previously been sold by the same club for £14 million, allowing City to make a substantial profit. He featured in only four Premier League matches under Guardiola but added 13 cup appearances as City captured the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Newcastle United had been in talks with City about Trafford in recent weeks and had previously tried to sign him, but ultimately pursued other options. The England international, who travelled to the World Cup with the Three Lions as the third‑choice goalkeeper, now seeks regular league action at Elland Road.

In February, Trafford spoke candidly about his limited game time at the Etihad, saying, "It was nice (to play), it wasn't what I expected coming into the season…" He added that the season had been "up and down" and that he had to make a decision over the summer to move on.

The £45 million fee also sets a new club record for Leeds, surpassing the £35.5 million paid for Georginio Rutter in January 2023. The previous highest British goalkeeper fee was Jordan Pickford's £30 million move from Sunderland to Everton in 2017, while only Kepa (€68 million) and Alisson (€62 million) have commanded higher sums.

Trafford becomes Leeds' third summer signing after the arrivals of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic. With his two England caps and a reputation built at Manchester City, he arrives ready to compete for the starting spot and restore stability to a depleted goalkeeping department.

The former Manchester City prospect now joins Leeds United, bringing experience from Premier League and cup triumphs, and will look to cement his place as the first‑choice goalkeeper as the club prepares for the upcoming season.