Key Takeaways:
- Leeds United agreed a £40million plus add-ons deal for James Trafford, surpassing their previous transfer record
- The 23-year-old completed his medical this week and will become Leeds’ third signing of the summer
- Trafford made 17 appearances for Manchester City last season, including roles in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals
Major Transfer Deal Nears Completion
Leeds United are on the verge of confirming the club’s most expensive signing to date as James Trafford prepares to finalise a move following his medical examinations. Trafford has already underwent necessary health checks this week and is close to signing with the club. Leeds and Manchester City have settled on a transfer agreement valued at £40 million plus additional clauses.
🚨🟡🔵 Leeds United have completed formal steps of their club record deal for James Trafford.
Medical tests done and documents being exchanged with Manchester City today. pic.twitter.com/4my0T33qKO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 6, 2026
The arrival of the 23-year-old goalkeeper is set to surpass Leeds’ previous record outlay of £35.5m for Georginio Rutter in January 2023. Furthermore, Trafford will enter the ranks as the fourth-most costly goalkeeper in the history of the sport.
Significant Changes in Goalkeeping Roster
Leeds identified the recruitment of a clear first-choice goalkeeper as a top objective this summer. Previous incumbent Karl Darlow received a contract offer devoid of first-team assurances and subsequently left for Manchester United, while Illan Meslier completed a transfer to Arsenal. Lucas Perri, who began pre-season as Leeds’ first choice, suffered an injury setback, leading to Alex Cairns stepping in for friendlies against Sunderland and Liverpool. Perri is reportedly close to joining Torino on a season-long loan.
James Trafford’s Journey and Recent Performances
Trafford’s return to Manchester City from Burnley last summer came with a £30m transfer fee and expectations to be installed as the team’s primary goalkeeper. However, the club’s subsequent capture of Gianluigi Donnarumma relegated Trafford to a reserve role. During the 2025/26 season, the England international featured in 17 fixtures across all competitions, a tally just shy of the appearance totals of both Darlow and Perri. Trafford notably started in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals under then-manager Pep Guardiola, helping secure victories in each.
