Leeds United has finalized the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City for an initial fee of £40 million, with an additional £5 million in potential add-ons. The transfer marks a record-breaking deal, making Trafford the most expensive British goalkeeper of all time.
Trafford, 23, joins Leeds in pursuit of increased playing opportunities. He was part of the England squad for the recent World Cup as the third-choice goalkeeper. His move to Yorkshire aims to secure him a starting position, a scenario that did not materialize at Manchester City.
Upon his transfer to Manchester City last summer, Trafford had anticipated becoming the team's primary goalkeeper. However, the club's acquisition of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain shifted his role. Under Pep Guardiola, Trafford made only four Premier League appearances but featured in 13 cup matches, contributing to Manchester City's FA Cup and Carabao Cup victories.
Newcastle United had previously expressed interest in Trafford and engaged in discussions with Manchester City regarding a potential transfer, but ultimately pursued other targets. Trafford's move to Leeds surpasses the club's previous record transfer fee of £35.5 million, set for Georginio Rutter in January 2023. His transfer fee also eclipses the previous record for a British goalkeeper, which was Jordan Pickford's £30 million move from Sunderland to Everton in 2017. Only Kepa Arrizabalaga and Alisson Becker have commanded higher transfer fees globally.
Trafford joined Manchester City from Burnley for £27 million last summer. This move represents a significant profit for City, who had initially sold him to Burnley for £14 million two years prior. Trafford is Leeds' third summer acquisition, following the arrivals of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic. He is Leeds' third summer signing after the arrivals of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic and becomes the most expensive British goalkeeper of all time.