Leeds United completed the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City on August 6, 2026, agreeing a five-year contract for a club-record fee reported between £40 million and £45 million, potentially rising with bonuses [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The transfer makes Trafford the most expensive British goalkeeper in football history [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
The 23-year-old was part of England's World Cup squad this summer but did not make an appearance during the tournament [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Last season, Trafford made 17 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City, including four Premier League games [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Manchester City secured a 20% sell-on clause and matching rights as part of the deal [1, 5]. City’s signing of Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma in summer 2025 pushed Trafford down the pecking order and limited his playing time [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Trafford began his career at Manchester City and had loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers. In 2023, he joined Burnley permanently before Manchester City activated a buyback clause in July 2025 to re-sign him [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Leeds manager Daniel Farke made Trafford the third permanent addition to his squad this summer, following the earlier signings of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic [2, 3, 4]. Leeds finished 14th in the Premier League last season and will open their 2026-27 campaign against Nottingham Forest on August 22 [2, 3, 4].
James Trafford expressed his excitement about the move, saying, "I know my own abilities. I go out and try as hard as I can and have as much fun as I can. I am really excited and just really happy that it is finally done. I can get onto preparing for the new season and can focus on getting in with everyone next week" [2].
The exact transfer fee remains undisclosed, with some reports suggesting the deal could reach £45 million including bonuses, while others put it closer to £40 million plus bonuses [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Leeds will look to integrate Trafford ahead of their opening match on August 22.
