Leeds United has finalized a club-record transfer deal to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, with the agreement worth an initial £40m plus additional fees, surpassing the £35.5m paid for Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim in January 2023. Trafford has committed to a five-year contract with Leeds, becoming the club's third major signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic. As the team's top goalkeeper target, the 23-year-old is expected to bring stability to a position that has been a concern for Leeds. This record-breaking transfer for a British goalkeeper places Trafford as the fourth-most expensive goalkeeper in history, behind Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alisson, and Andre Onana.
Trafford's move is part of Leeds' significant spending, which now exceeds £70m in this window. His arrival is anticipated to pave the way for Lucas Perri to join Torino on loan with an option to buy, as Leeds now have sufficient goalkeeper options. The club is also expected to sign another goalkeeper as a backup to Trafford.
Previously, Trafford played as the cup goalkeeper for Manchester City, contributing to the team's Carabao Cup and FA Cup victories. However, he sought a new opportunity in pursuit of regular first-team football, given Gianluigi Donnarumma's position as the preferred choice at the Etihad.
Before the transfer announcement, Trafford expressed his gratitude to Manchester City, stating his pride in achieving his dream of playing for the first team and winning two trophies. The fans' appreciation, including singing his name, was a memorable experience for him, and he wished the club all the best for the future.