Leeds United are on the verge of completing the biggest goalkeeper transfer in the club’s history, with a deal for Manchester City’s James Trafford now down to the final details.
Where Things Stand
Leeds and Man City have reportedly agreed a fee worth at least £40 million plus add-ons for the 23-year-old, according to Sky Sports, ESPN and The Athletic’s David Ornstein. That would smash Leeds’ previous transfer record — the £35.5 million they paid for Georginio Rutter back in January 2023.
Personal terms aren’t the issue. Trafford has already given his approval and is reportedly eager to get the move done, having made Leeds his clear preference over other interested clubs. What’s left to resolve is a sell-on clause City are pushing for, which would guarantee them a cut of any future fee if Leeds ever sell him on. Leeds are said to be negotiating that point carefully, with talk of raising the upfront fee slightly to bring the percentage down to a number both sides are comfortable with.
Why Trafford Wants Out of the Etihad
Trafford’s first season back at City hasn’t gone the way either party hoped. He made just 17 appearances across all competitions, with the majority of his football coming in cup competitions rather than the Premier League, after Gianluigi Donnarumma was established as City’s clear No. 1 under the club’s coaching setup. He did pick up FA Cup and Carabao Cup winners’ medals along the way, but regular league minutes never materialized.
With his sights set on becoming England’s long-term No. 1 behind Jordan Pickford, Trafford made it known he wanted a move that guaranteed him a starting role — and Leeds emerged as his preferred destination ahead of Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham, all of whom had shown interest earlier in the window.
Why Leeds Need Him
The timing lines up perfectly with a genuine crisis at the position for Daniel Farke’s side. Karl Darlow left for Manchester United and Illan Meslier joined Arsenal this summer, leaving Lucas Perri — who struggled to convince Farke last season — as the only senior option, alongside third-choice Alex Cairns.
Once Trafford’s move is finalized, Perri is expected to depart in the other direction, with Torino strongly linked to completing a deal for the Brazilian shortly after.
The Bigger Picture
At £40 million-plus, Trafford would become the most expensive English goalkeeper in history — a striking statement of intent from a Leeds side that’s made it clear this summer they’re not just aiming to survive back in the Premier League. Combined with earlier moves in the market, this deal would push Leeds’ summer spending well past the £70 million mark.
Bottom line: Nothing is signed yet, but all signs point to this deal crossing the line soon. Once the sell-on clause is settled, expect Trafford to undergo his medical and be confirmed as Leeds’ new No. 1 shortly after.
