Leeds United are moving closer to completing a transfer agreement with Manchester City for goalkeeper James Trafford, according to reports from Sky Sports News. The proposed deal is understood to be valued at a minimum of £40 million plus performance-based add-ons, making it a record transfer fee for an English goalkeeper.
The acquisition would surpass Leeds’ previous record signing, Georginio Rutter, who arrived from Hoffenheim for approximately £35.5 million in January 2023. Trafford, an England international, would address a key priority for the club as they seek to strengthen their goalkeeper position ahead of the coming season.
Leeds have identified a new first-choice goalkeeper as essential following several developments in their squad. Karl Darlow has departed the club, while Lucas Perri, who was brought in previously, had an unconvincing debut season and was dropped by manager Daniel Farke. Perri was subsequently used sparingly, leaving the club with significant gaps in their goalkeeper depth.
Currently, Leeds have limited options between the posts, with Perri and Alex Cairns serving as the only senior goalkeepers on the roster. There is a possibility that Perri could leave the club this summer, as Italian side Torino has expressed interest in acquiring him. However, Leeds have indicated they will not allow Perri’s departure until they have secured at least one additional goalkeeper to reinforce the position.
The club has already made several moves during the transfer window, adding defender Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo for £34 million while also allowing several players to exit through transfers and loan arrangements.
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