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Leeds United transfer news## Leeds United continue in talks with James Trafford as the Whites leading the race for the 23-year-old
13:30, 25 Jul 2026
Enzo Maresca’s comments about James Trafford in his first Manchester City press conference came as a surprise to no-one.
The simple fact that Trafford is in talks with Leeds United over a move already indicated the manager’s decision over which goalkeeper would be Blues number one next season. But Maresca’s open-ended answer to questions about the 23-year-old essentially confirmed things.
"I know James because he was my goalkeeper when I was with the under 23s so I know him well,” he said. “Again, when the transfer window is open - now or in January - anything can happen. We will see. At the moment he is one of our goalkeepers."
Trafford made 13 appearances for Maresca while the pair were in City’s Under-23s squad in the 2020/21 season, when the shot-stopper was just 17. If anyone was going to give him the nod over Gianluigi Donnarumma, it would be Maresca. But this has not been the case.
Maresca’s refusal to deny an exit is hardly news to Leeds and only confirms the pecking order. It must hurt a bit, if not a surprise. Trafford arrived at Man City under Pep Guardiola believing he would be number one but has now been let down in such hopes by two managers.
Daniel Farke and Leeds’ job is to show him the love he deserves during these transfer talks. Leeds are known to show clips of the fan faithful to prospective signings, including shots of the 2025 Championship title bus parade through the city centre.
They also show care about life beyond football, with Farke - and others - keen to glean the human before the player. Many former signings have explained how much this meant to them during the initial conversations.
Leeds will try and pull out all the stops for Trafford, who will know he is good enough to be the main man at a Premier League club. Maresca’s comments might prompt others to try and hijack and so Leeds may want to speed up their proccesses.
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But speed does not mean rushed and United appear to be the frontrunners in any case, especially with Trafford said to prefer a move to Elland Road.
Things are looking good and Maresca’s comments only reinforce the idea that Leeds can offer him Man City don’t want to.
Isaac Johnson
Isaac Johnson
Isaac is the Leeds United reporter for LeedsLive. An NCTJ-qualified journalist, Isaac has interviewed many football icons during his career, including World Cup winners and Premier League champions. He has also sat down with a number of Olympic greats, such as Adam Peaty MBE and Dame Laura Kenny.
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