Leeds United are set to finalize a £40 million deal plus bonuses for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, according to reports by The Athletic. The 23-year-old is positioned to become the club’s third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo and free agent Harry Wilson after his departure from Fulham.
Transfer Details and Financial Structure
According to reporting from The Athletic, the transfer fee is set at £40 million plus add-on bonuses. Talks between the clubs advanced after Trafford leaned toward a move to Elland Road, despite previous interest from Newcastle United. Newcastle had identified Trafford as a primary target earlier in the summer and held prior talks last year before the player re-joined Manchester City from Burnley.
Trafford made 17 appearances during the 2025–26 campaign for Manchester City. This total included playing every match in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup as City secured both trophies. However, he made just four Premier League appearances over the course of the season following the deadline-day arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Did you know? James Trafford kept a Championship record 30 clean sheets during the 2024–25 campaign for Burnley, conceding just 16 goals across 45 league starts.
Squad Shuffling and Goalkeeping Vacancy
Leeds United entered the transfer market for a new first-choice goalkeeper following the departure of Karl Darlow, who ended last season as the club’s No 1 before moving to Manchester United on a free transfer. Lucas Perri remains in the squad after being displaced by Darlow during the 2025–26 season, alongside Alex Cairns.
Leeds correspondent Beren Cross noted in The Athletic that landing Trafford would represent a significant coup for the West Yorkshire club. The goalkeeper expressed frustration earlier in the year regarding his lack of regular playing time at Manchester City, stating in February that serving as an understudy “wasn’t what I expected.” At Elland Road, Trafford is expected to step in as the undisputed first-choice option.
International Status and Career Path
Trafford is a product of the Manchester City academy system. During his initial stint with the club, he did not make a senior appearance for the senior team, gaining experience instead through loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers. He subsequently joined Burnley permanently in 2023, making 73 appearances before returning to Manchester City.
On the international stage, Trafford earned his senior England debut in March, collecting his first of two caps. He was subsequently named to Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup over the summer, serving as back-up behind Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the James Trafford transfer fee?
The deal agreed between Leeds United and Manchester City is worth £40 million plus bonuses, according to The Athletic.
What other clubs were interested in James Trafford?
Newcastle United tracked Trafford as a primary target this summer and held previous talks with the player, but ultimately did not pursue a move.
How many appearances did Trafford make last season?
Trafford made 17 total appearances for Manchester City in the 2025–26 campaign, which included four Premier League matches and full runs in both domestic cup competitions.
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