Leeds United has completed the signing of Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford in a record-breaking deal worth an initial £40m plus add-ons, surpassing the £35.5m paid for Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim in January 2023. Trafford has agreed to a five-year contract, becoming the club's third permanent summer signing, following Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic. The 23-year-old was Leeds' top goalkeeper target and is expected to bring stability to the position.
This deal sets a new record for a British goalkeeper and makes Trafford the fourth-most expensive goalkeeper in history, behind Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alisson, and Andre Onana. Trafford's arrival takes Leeds' summer spending to over £70m and paves the way for Lucas Perri to join Torino on loan with an option to buy. With Trafford on board, Leeds are now well-equipped with goalkeeper options and may look to bring in another goalkeeper as backup. Trafford previously played for Manchester City, helping the team win the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, but sought first-team football elsewhere with Gianluigi Donnarumma as the preferred choice at the Etihad.
Before his transfer was announced, Trafford expressed his gratitude to Manchester City, stating that playing for the first team and winning trophies was a dream come true.