Leeds United are on the verge of signing James Trafford from Manchester City for a club-record fee.
The 23-year-old is considered by many to be Jordan Pickford’s heir between the England sticks, but has been playing second-fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad Stadium.
Leeds have been in pursuit of the highly-rated goalkeeper and a major breakthrough has now been made.
James Trafford is set to depart Manchester City for Leeds United.placeholder image
James Trafford is set to depart Manchester City for Leeds United. | Stu Forster/Getty Images
Leeds United make James Trafford breakthrough
The Yorkshire Post understands Trafford has completed a medical with a view to an Elland Road move being finalised.
Reports have indicated a deal worth £40m plus add-ons has been teed up, a figure that would top the £35.5m forked out for Georgino Rutter in January 2023.
Trafford looks set to replace Karl Darlow as the first-choice goalkeeper in LS11 following the 35-year-old’s free transfer switch to Manchester United.
His arrival could pave the way for Torino-linked Lucas Perri to depart after an underwhelming maiden campaign in the Premier League.
James Trafford’s career path
Trafford is a graduate of Manchester City’s academy but was sold to Burnley by the Premier League giants in 2023.
A buy-back clause was activated after two stellar seasons at Turf Moor, although the subsequent arrival of Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain demoted Trafford to an understudy role.
He spent the bulk of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign on Manchester City’s bench, sparking talk of a second move away from the club.
James Trafford was part of England’s squad for the recent World Cup.placeholder image
James Trafford was part of England’s squad for the recent World Cup. | Martin Rickett/PA Wire
James Trafford tipped to handle Leeds United pressure
In an interview with The Yorkshire Post last month, Leeds legend Gary McAllister tipped Trafford to handle the pressure cooker environment at Elland Road.
He said: “You need somebody who can win you a couple of games, and Trafford has definitely got that ability. And more importantly, I think Trafford can cope with that expectation level at Elland Road.
“He’s capable with his feet as well. He’s a quality ‘keeper. He’s been in and around big players for a long time now, but he needs to play.
“My feeling would be that he can cope with the expectations of the Leeds fans, because it’s a place filled with passion. I always use the analogy that if Leeds were playing Real Madrid tomorrow night at Elland Road, the Leeds fans would think they could win, which is a great thing to have.”