Leeds United have secured the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City, agreeing on a five-year contract for a club-record fee, the Premier League club announced on Thursday.
Reports from British media estimate the transfer value at approximately £40 million ($53.82 million), including bonuses, which elevates the 23-year-old to the status of the most expensive British goalkeeper ever.
Trafford, who earned a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the recent World Cup, featured 17 times for Manchester City in all competitions during the previous season.
From Manchester City Prospect to Leeds’ New Hope
Having risen through Manchester City’s renowned academy, Trafford gathered competitive experience during loan periods at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers. In 2023, he transferred permanently to Burnley before returning to City in July of the same year. However, with Gianluigi Donnarumma established as Pep Guardiola’s first-choice goalkeeper, Trafford found regular appearances limited.
Expressing enthusiasm over his new move, Trafford stated on Leeds United’s official website, “I know my own abilities. I go out and try as hard as I can and have as much fun as I can. I am really excited and just really happy that it is finally done. I can get onto preparing for the new season and can focus on getting in with everyone next week.”
This acquisition marks the third permanent signing for Daniel Farke’s squad this summer, following the additions of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic. Leeds United, who concluded last season in 14th place in the Premier League, are aiming to strengthen their roster ahead of the upcoming campaign.