Leeds United is finalizing a club-record deal worth over £40 million plus add-ons to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford as of July 27, 2026.
The 23-year-old England international is set to become the West Yorkshire club's primary goalkeeping addition following Karl Darlow's departure to Manchester United.
The agreement marks a monumental transaction for Leeds, surpassing their previous record transfer fee of £35.5 million paid for Georginio Rutter in 2023.
Trafford's pending arrival comes as Leeds rebuilds its goalkeeping department after Illan Meslier's departure and Lucas Perri's demotion during the 2025-26 campaign.
The move also ends long-standing pursuit from Newcastle United, which had listed Trafford as its top goalkeeping target over consecutive summer windows before turning its focus to alternative options.
Villa had also monitored the keeper before Emi Martinez confirmed his stay.
Trafford's Time at Manchester City
Trafford rejoined Manchester City from Burnley last summer for £31 million but found his playing time limited following the deadline-day arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Despite serving primarily as a backup, Trafford made 17 appearances during the 2025-26 season, starting every cup match as City claimed both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup trophies.
Speaking on the goalkeeper's future during a press conference on Friday afternoon, Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca addressed the ongoing negotiations regarding his former academy player.
"We'll see, but at the moment he's one of our keepers," said Maresca.
Reflecting on their history together in the club's development setup, the manager provided further context on their working relationship.
"I know James because he was my keeper when I was with the Under-23s, so I know James very good," said Maresca.
He noted that player movements remain fluid while the transfer period remains active across the league.
"But again, when the transfer window is open, now or in January, anything can happen," said Maresca.
Repeating his earlier stance, the City manager reiterated the keeper's current status with the squad.
"So we'll see, but at the moment he's one of our keepers," said Maresca.
Earlier in February, the England international expressed his initial feelings regarding his position in the squad behind Donnarumma.
"wasn't what I expected," said Trafford.
He expanded on his mindset during the season while trying to navigate his role as second choice.
"tried to guard against the situation happening," said Trafford.
If completed, Trafford will become Leeds' third major signing of the current transfer window, following the acquisitions of defender Tarik Muharemovic and winger Harry Wilson.
