Leeds CONFIRM £45m signing of James Trafford from Man City: England international becomes most expensive British goalkeeper of all time in record deal

Leeds United have confirmed the signing of James Trafford from Manchester City for £40million plus £5m in add-ons.

The England goalkeeper, who went to the World Cup with the Three Lions as third-choice shot stopper, is moving to Yorkshire in a bid for more game time.

Trafford was expecting to take the No 1 jersey when he signed for Pep Guardiola last summer but was sidelined when City seized an opportunity to bring in Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint Germain.

The 23-year-old ended up playing just four times under Guardiola in the Premier League, although he did feature in a further 13 cup games as they won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Newcastle had spoken to City in recent weeks about Trafford and tried previously to sign him, but ended up exploring other options.

Trafford joined City last summer in a £27million move from Burnley, just two years after City sold him for £14m, and they have made a substantial profit. 

He is Leeds’ third summer signing after the arrivals of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic and becomes the most expensive British goalkeeper of all time.

The previous highest was Jordan Pickford’s £30m transfer from Sunderland to Everton in 2017, and Kepa (£68m) and Alisson (£62m) are the only keepers to have commanded a higher fee.  

Trafford has also become a club record signing for Leeds, surpassing their £35.5m deal for Georginio Rutter in January 2023.

Speaking about his lack of gametime at the Etihad back in February, Trafford had opened up on the difficulties following his move.

‘It was nice (to play), it wasn’t what I expected coming into the season,’ Trafford said after an FA Cup win over Salford City. 

‘I tried to guard against the situation happening but it’s the reality and I know every time I play, I have to give it my best shot and try and win and try and improve.

‘It’s the current situation I’m in.’

MORE TO FOLLOW