The latest on Leeds United’s pursuit of Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford
Leeds United are reportedly closing in on the £40m signing of goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City.
The 23-year-old has been linked with the Whites on a number of occasions across recent months, but always appeared to be an ambitious target.
He has also been courted by Newcastle United and St James’ Park appeared his most likely destination at one point.
James Trafford was Manchester City's cup goalkeeper last season.placeholder image
James Trafford was Manchester City's cup goalkeeper last season. | Annabel Lee-Ellis/Getty Images
Leeds United ‘set’ to agree James Trafford deal
According to The Athletic, a deal worth £40m plus bonuses is being finalised. If the deal goes through, he would become Leeds’ record signing, with the fee topping the £35.5m forked out for Georgino Rutter in January 2023.
Trafford has been tipped to succeed Jordan Pickford as England’s number one and would arguably be a significant coup for Leeds.
Leeds United’s goalkeepers
Between February 2020 and April 2025, with the exception of the final four games of the 2022/23 season, Illan Meslier was Leeds’ number one.
He eventually lost the faith of manager Daniel Farke in the dying embers of the 2024/25 campaign and never regained it. Karl Darlow took his place between the sticks and the arrival of Lucas Perri in the summer of 2025 pushed Meslier further down the pecking order.
Perri also lost his spot to Darlow and is now reportedly edging closer to joining Italian outfit Torino. Darlow and Meslier, meanwhile, have sealed free transfer moves to Manchester United and Arsenal respectively.
Leeds still have Alex Cairns in their ranks, but are in dire need of bolstering in the goalkeeping department.
Lucas Perri looks set to depart Leeds United for Torino.placeholder image
Lucas Perri looks set to depart Leeds United for Torino. | Mike Egerton/PA Wire
James Trafford’s career path
Trafford was sold by Manchester City in 2023 and enjoyed two stellar seasons with Burnley. He was part of the Clarets side relegated from the Premier League in 2024 but played a key role in their immediate promotion back to the top flight.
Manchester City activated a buy-back clause in his contract last summer, only to later sign Gianluigi Donnarrumma from Paris Saint-Germain and consign Trafford to an understudy role.
A move to Elland Road would give Trafford the chance to be a number one and push to secure that role in the England set-up.