Trafford is an obvious transfer target Leeds should consider, but there is an undercurrent of reality about it all
09:00, 11 Jun 2026
James Trafford won two trophies last season, playing an integral role in both cup triumphs
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James Trafford won two trophies last season, playing an integral role in both cup triumphs(Image: Alex Pantling - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Chatter among Leeds United supporters when it comes to the topic of goalkeeper recruitment has often led to James Trafford being mentioned as a target. And understandably so.
Whites fans saw how well he did at Burnley during their Championship promotion run, with his 29 clean sheets in 45 matches seeing him named in the PFA team of the year. They have also seen how frustrated he has been while sitting as Manchester City's number two.
While Trafford was never promised the number one spot for the whole season, it seems there was an unspoken assumption there, at least from the player’s side. Indeed he played the first three Premier League matches of the season.
However, the opportunity to acquire Gianligui Donnarumma was too good an opportunity for Man City to refuse and Trafford's only subsequent league appearance came in the final day defeat to Aston Villa.
The season was not entirely a dud for the 23-year-old given he played every single game in the League Cup and FA Cup triumphs, and he has been taken to the World Cup this summer. Many tip him to become the eventual successor to Jordan Pickford.
To do that, though, he needs more game time and while Trafford has remained professional, his unsettled mood is hardly a secret. “[Cup games] are obviously nice, [but] it wasn’t what I expected coming into the season,” he said in February.
Trafford is destined for a move this summer, albeit maybe only a loan. Given his five-year contract signed just last year and his hefty wages, the idea of a transfer - unless requested by the man himself - could push him out of reach for Leeds, who will have eyes on the shot-stopper.
The issue is so will many other clubs, some of whom will be able to offer European football. If it is only to be a loan, Leeds also need to consider whether having a goalkeeper for one year is conducive to their Premier League plan of stability for the next two years.
Since the start of the 2024/25 season, there have been four changes of number one goalkeeper, with Karl Darlow - currently in contract talks amid his deal expiring at the end of this month - ending both campaigns as the primary pick.
Leeds are expected to scour the goalkeeper market this summer and so there could be a forthcoming fifth change. Bringing in Trafford for a singular season would mean an inevitable sixth would happen in the summer of 2027.
It would also just push the goalkeeper problem back a year before the process starts again. A sale of Trafford is not improbable, if not likely. Leeds could afford his amortisation value, which stands at around £21.6m having arrived on a five-year deal for £27m last summer.
They would need to sustain his wage demands, though, which may mean sanctioning the exits chairman Paraag Marathe has spoken about, especially with Leeds set for slightly tighter spending limits this summer under the incoming Squad Cost Ratio rules.
Given that Leeds need a handful of signings rather than just two or three, United cannot go hell-for-leather on one position, even if Trafford would fit the criteria of next-level upgrade.
Trafford is the perfect fit for Leeds, but almost too perfect. With many years ahead of him as a goalkeeper and vast experience - including two England caps - the biggest problem Leeds face is rival interest.
United have got to consider him given his availability but they will also know that he is a stretch target - a player to reach for amid the acceptance that time and effort might ultimately come up short.
It's worth a go given the huge upsides of his move coming off, but just don’t hold the breath.
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