Leeds United is reportedly nearing an agreement to sign goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City. The deal is understood to be worth £40 million plus additional bonuses and is currently being finalised. Trafford’s potential move would make him Leeds’ third summer signing, following the arrivals of Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo and Harry Wilson as a free agent after his departure from Fulham.
Reports on Thursday indicated that Leeds was in discussions with the goalkeeper, who was said to be favouring a transfer to Elland Road. This comes as Leeds seeks to bolster its goalkeeping options after Karl Darlow, who finished last season as the primary goalkeeper, moved to Manchester United on a free transfer. Lucas Perri and Alex Cairns remain with the club, though Perri had been displaced by Darlow during the 2025-26 season.
Newcastle United had also shown interest in Trafford this summer, with earlier reports on July 21 suggesting he was their primary target. However, Newcastle is reportedly no longer pursuing a move for him. The north-east club had previously rekindled their interest in the player in June, having been in talks to sign him last summer before his return to Manchester City from Burnley. They had also expressed interest in 2024.
Trafford’s Recent Career and International Appearances
Trafford made 17 appearances for Manchester City during the 2025-26 campaign. These appearances included every match in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, both of which City won. He had returned to City last year with the expectation of becoming the first-choice goalkeeper. However, the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma on deadline day meant Trafford served as the Italian’s understudy. Trafford had stated in February that being the second-choice goalkeeper was “wasn’t what I expected” and that he “tried to guard against the situation happening.”
Trafford began his career at the City academy but did not make a senior appearance for the first team during his initial period with the club. He spent time on loan at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers before joining Burnley in 2023. After making 73 appearances for Burnley, he returned to City. Trafford made his England debut in March, earning his first of two senior international caps. He was also part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad at the World Cup this summer but did not feature in any matches, with Jordan Pickford being the primary goalkeeper and Dean Henderson preferred for the third-place match against France.
Impact of a Potential Move to Leeds
A potential move for Trafford to Leeds is seen as a significant development for the club. Trafford is considered a rising talent in European goalkeeping and could secure a starting position at many Premier League teams. It is understood that Trafford desires more regular playing time than he received at City last season, and he would likely become the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper at Elland Road.
Leeds has direct experience with Trafford’s capabilities, having competed against his Burnley team for the Championship title in 2024-25. During that season, Trafford conceded 16 goals in 45 league starts. Leeds hopes that Trafford can provide a long-term solution in goal. This potential signing follows the departure of Karl Darlow, and comes after Illan Meslier moved on. Lucas Perri experienced a challenging first season in England.
The club has already brought in Harry Wilson, an experienced top-flight player, on a free transfer after a strong season. While a substantial fee has been spent on Tarik Muharemovic, Trafford’s acquisition could prove to be the most crucial business for Leeds this summer.
Source: nytimes.com
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