Leeds United are set to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford in a deal worth £45 million, according to the Daily Mail. An agreement between the two clubs has been reached this week, with the transfer expected to be completed imminently.
The move comes as Trafford seeks regular first-team football, having made limited appearances for Manchester City. Leeds manager Daniel Farke identified the England international as a priority target this summer, and the player himself reportedly favours a move to Elland Road. The fee will surpass Leeds’ current transfer record of £35 million, paid for Georginio Rutter in January 2023, and will be the fifth-highest fee ever paid for a goalkeeper.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged the possibility of Trafford’s departure, stating he was familiar with the player from their time together in the Under-23s but conceded that anything can happen during the transfer window. Negotiations had been complicated by release clauses, but positive talks over the weekend helped to resolve those concerns.
Newcastle United were also interested in Trafford, but have now shifted their focus to Braga’s Lukas Hornicek. Leeds are expected to allow Lucas Perri to join Torino on an initial loan deal with an option to buy, following the imminent arrival of Trafford. The transfer will provide Trafford with the opportunity to establish himself as a Premier League number one and potentially challenge Jordan Pickford for the England goalkeeping position.
