Here we go’ – Leeds United transfer imminent after Newcastle United agreed personal terms with £40m star
Here we go’ – Leeds United transfer imminent after Newcastle United agreed personal terms with £40m star
Newcastle United transfers: Newcastle are set to miss out on a top transfer target once again.
Newcastle United are set to miss out on a long-term transfer target.
England and Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford is set to join Premier League rivals Leeds United after a £40million deal was agreed.
It comes after Newcastle twice tried to sign Trafford from Burnley in 2024 and 2025 only for Manchester City to swoop in and trigger a buyback clause. Trafford went as far as verbally agreeing personal terms with the Magpies but a deal never materialised.
James Trafford was Manchester City’s cup goalkeeper last season.placeholder image
James Trafford was Manchester City’s cup goalkeeper last season. | Annabel Lee-Ellis/Getty Images
The Magpies retained an interest in Trafford this summer, but he is now set to be one that got away for the club, not once, not twice, but three times.
Transfer narrative expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Leeds have agreed a club record deal to sign the 23-year-old, with the transfer set to be formalised this week.
Romano tweeted: “Leeds United reach verbal agreement with Man City for club record deal to sign James Trafford, here we go! Club-to-club deal in place for £40m plus add-ons, long term deal offered to Trafford. Signatures expected this week.”
Trafford was understood to be open to leaving Manchester City this summer after limited first-team opportunities last season. Newcastle were thought to be front-runners for his signature given the club’s historic interest but have now turned their attention elsewhere.
Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek is a player Newcastle are interested in as a cheaper alternative to Trafford. The 24-year-old has a £30million release clause in his contract at Braga.
Newcastle have already signed one goalkeeper this summer with 20-year-old Ewen Jaouen joining from Stade de Reims for £18million.
