Leeds United have entered negotiations with Manchester City regarding a possible acquisition of goalkeeper James Trafford. The English international is currently the club's top priority in the goalkeeping department, and Leeds appear to be the furthest along in securing his services compared with other interested parties. While Newcastle United and Aston Villa have also expressed interest in the 23‑year‑old this summer, sources suggest that Leeds are the most advanced in their pursuit.
Trafford returned to the Etihad after a spell at Burnley and featured in 17 Premier League matches during the 2025/26 campaign, recording eight clean sheets. He was also part of England's squad for the 2026 World Cup, although he did not feature in any of Thomas Tuchel's matches during the tournament.
Leeds have suffered a double blow in the goalkeeper position this summer, with Karl Darlow moving to Manchester United and Illan Meslier completing a free‑transfer to Arsenal. The departures have left the club with only a handful of senior keepers – Lucas Perri, who struggled to impress in his debut season, and third‑choice Alex Cairns – on their books.
The club is therefore eager to replace the lost experience and depth, and they view Trafford as the ideal long‑term solution. The Leeds board is reportedly optimistic about their chances of signing the young Englishman.
They have already signalled to City that they are prepared to meet the required fee, and they are hoping to move quickly before other suitors can match their offer. Should the deal go through, Trafford would become the first‑choice goalkeeper for a Leeds side that is looking to rebuild after a turbulent season. Leeds’ need for a reliable No.1 is acute. After Darlow’s exit, the club’s only senior options are Perri – who was dropped by former manager Daniel Farke and whose performances have been under scrutiny – and the veteran Alex Cairns, who is unlikely to provide the long‑term stability the club desires.
There are rumours that Perri could be linked with a move to Torino, but Leeds have made it clear they will not let the Brazilian leave until a suitable replacement is secured. James Trafford’s recent history provides a useful context for why Leeds are so keen.
When Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived at City last summer, Trafford’s opportunities in the Premier League were limited to cup fixtures and a single league appearance in a 2‑1 defeat to Aston Villa on the final day of the season. Prior to that, his only top‑flight experience came during Burnley's ill‑fated 2023/24 campaign, where he conceded 62 goals in 28 games – a figure that, on the surface, raised questions about his shot‑stopping ability. However, deeper analysis showed that many of those goals came from low‑expected‑goal (xG) chances, suggesting that the raw numbers did not fully reflect his performance. The difficult season at Burnley proved to be a valuable learning curve for Trafford.
He returned to the Championship with the Clarets for the 2024/25 season and delivered a record‑breaking campaign, conceding just 16 goals in 45 matches as Burnley secured promotion back to the Premier League. That turnaround demonstrated his capacity to grow, adapt, and thrive under pressure – qualities that Leeds value highly.
Matt Gilks, who coached Trafford during a loan spell at Bolton Wanderers when the goalkeeper was still a teenager, has praised his athleticism and mental resilience. Gilks said, "After 25 years in the game I have worked with hundreds of keepers, and very few stand out the way James does. His explosive power, his reaction to setbacks, and the minute details of his technique are all top‑class." Beyond his raw abilities, Trafford brings a modern goalkeeper’s skill set to Leeds. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet, able to play out from the back, and possesses a commanding presence on set‑pieces.
These attributes align with Leeds’ tactical vision under their current manager, who prefers a high‑line defense that requires a keeper who can act as a sweeper‑keeper when necessary. If the transfer materialises, Leeds will also need to address the financial side of the deal.
While exact figures have not been disclosed, reports indicate that the fee could be in the region of £30‑£35 million, potentially with add‑ons based on appearances and international caps. The club will likely need to balance this outlay against other summer targets, such as reinforcing the midfield and attack, to ensure a well‑rounded squad. In summary, Leeds United are actively pursuing James Trafford as their primary goalkeeper target.
With the departures of Darlow and Meslier creating a void, and with limited senior options remaining, the club sees Trafford as the ideal candidate to become their first‑choice custodian. His blend of experience, recent form, and potential for further growth makes him a compelling addition, and Leeds appear determined to secure his signature before any other club can intervene. Transfer Centre LIVE! Choose the Sky Sports push notifications you want!
Additional transfer rumours include: - Tarik Muharemovic – Sassuolo, £34 million - Harry Wilson – Fulham, free - Pascal Struijk – Brighton, £18 million - Isaac Schmidt – Young Boys, undisclosed - Karl Darlow – Manchester United, free - Illan Meslier – Arsenal, free