Trafford joins Leeds from Man City in potential £45m deal

Leeds United has secured the services of Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford in a reported £45 million deal. The 23-year-old English international, who previously played for Burnley, joined City from Burnley for £27 million last summer. Trafford made 17 appearances for City last season, including four in the Premier League, but did not feature in England's World Cup squad.

The move comes after the arrival of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma at City, which ended Trafford's chances of becoming the club's first-choice keeper. The fee for Trafford represents a new record for a British goalkeeper, surpassing Everton's £30 million purchase of Jordan Pickford in 2017. Trafford's move to Leeds represents one of the most expensive goalkeeper transfers in history, with only Kepa Arrizabalaga (£68 million) and Alisson (£62 million) commanding higher fees.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke is willing to pay the premium, despite Trafford's limited opportunities at City last season. Trafford's highlights have largely come in the Championship with Burnley, where he conceded just 16 goals in 45 appearances and helped the team achieve promotion back to the Premier League in the 2024-25 season. Former Burnley boss Scott Parker praised Trafford's turnaround at Turf Moor, and he has 29 clean sheets and a 84.47% save ratio in top-flight games.