James Trafford
During the January transfer window, Leeds United fans had a lot of expectations when the 49ers stepped in. It was a quiet few weeks before the club announced news about potential signings.
The Whites wrapped up a deal for Facundo Buonanotte pretty quickly after the player and his camp had talks with the club in December. He was not the only target, as Leeds approached Wolves over a January move for Jorgen Strand Larsen. A bid was rejected and the saga went on for a few days before Crystal Palace stepped in and eventually sealed the transfer on deadline day. Leeds did not want to budge on the structure of their deal which would see an initial loan with an obligation to buy in the summer due to PSR reasons.
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Despite all this, the club ended up with just one addition to the first team who was basically a replacement for Jack Harrison, who left the club on loan.
Leeds United could be back in for James Trafford this summer
Many people in an around Leeds United complained about other areas of the team that needed attention. The defence was a bit thin when Joe Rodon went down injured a few weeks ago. And during January, Daniel Farke decided to bench Lucas Perri after some mistakes in games. Karl Darlow, who stepped in, was also guilty for a mistake in the 4-0 loss against Arsenal last week.
It has now emerged that the 49ers have acknowledged the goalkeeping issue at the club, and have found a summer target. Per TEAMtalk, Manchester City stopper James Trafford is the main target. Leeds have been long-term admirers and could pursue a move for the England man in the summer. Reports suggest Trafford could be keen on an exit in search of playing time. It will not be easy, as other Premier League clubs also have their eye on the 23-year old.
Ambitious plans by the 49ers
A move for James Trafford shows the kind of intent the 49ers have for the club. But everyone involved should know that those dreams will collapse if the Whites are relegated this season. The January transfer window was not good enough, with many feeling the club could have done more. It was essentially a gamble by the owners to leave the Strand Larsen deal and not go after any alternatives when they needed depth up top. Now, Leeds will have to rely on Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin to be fit till the end of the season.
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