Leeds United complete club-record deal for Manchester City star player
Leeds United complete club-record deal for Manchester City star player
Leeds United have completed a major agreement with Manchester City to sign goalkeeper James Trafford in a deal worth a guaranteed £40 million plus bonuses. The transfer of the 23-year-old England international has been finalised in principle, with the formalities now being wrapped up, according to reports from The Athletic.
Trafford becomes Leeds’ third signing of the summer window, following the arrivals of defender Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo and midfielder Harry Wilson, who joined as a free agent after leaving Fulham. The move represents a significant investment for Daniel Farke’s side and shatters the club’s previous transfer record of £35 million, paid for Georginio Rutter in 2023.
The England international returned to Manchester City from Burnley in the summer of 2025 after the club activated a buy-back clause in a deal reported around £27-31 million. Despite contributing to City’s domestic cup successes last season and making 17 appearances across all competitions (including eight clean sheets), regular first-team opportunities proved limited. City agreed to sanction his departure to allow him consistent game time.
Leeds, who saw Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow depart earlier in the window, prioritised strengthening their goalkeeping options. Trafford, a highly rated young English talent with Premier League and international experience, is viewed as the long-term solution between the posts at Elland Road. He made clear his desire to join the Whites, seeing the move as the ideal step for his career development.
Personal terms were swiftly agreed alongside the club-to-club deal. Trafford is expected to undergo a medical and put pen to paper on a long-term contract in the coming days. The agreement underscores Leeds’ ambition under their current ownership as they look to establish themselves more firmly in the Premier League. Fans will hope the young goalkeeper can deliver the consistency and leadership needed in a key position for seasons to come.
