Leeds United completed the acquisition of goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City on a transfer deal valued at up to £45m. The 23-year-old England international departs Etihad Stadium approximately one year after his arrival from Burnley, when City paid £27m for his services.
Trafford featured in 17 matches across all competitions for City during the previous season, including four Premier League appearances and significant roles in the club’s Carabao Cup and FA Cup victories. His opportunities at the club became limited following the arrival of Champions League-winning goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, which prompted the move to West Yorkshire.
The transfer fee establishes a new record for a British goalkeeper, surpassing the £30m Everton paid Sunderland for Jordan Pickford. Globally, only Kepa Arrizabalaga and Alisson have commanded higher goalkeeper transfer fees. As part of the arrangement, Manchester City retained a 20% sell-on clause and matching rights on future transfers. The combined initial transfer fees involving Trafford now exceed £80m.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke authorized the significant investment despite Trafford’s limited top-flight experience, following the departures of Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier from Elland Road. Trafford’s primary accomplishments came during his time at Burnley, where he recorded 29 clean sheets and an 84.47% save ratio across 45 Championship appearances while conceding 16 goals. The goalkeeper’s career began at Manchester City before loan assignments at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers preceded his 2023 move to Burnley, where he made 73 appearances before City exercised a buy-back clause.
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