Leeds United have officially signed goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City on a five-year contract for an undisclosed club-record fee. British media report the deal is worth approximately 40 million pounds ($53.82 million) plus bonuses, making the 23-year-old the most expensive British goalkeeper in history.
Trafford, who was included in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for this year’s World Cup, made 17 appearances for City across all competitions last season. Regarding the move, Trafford stated, “I know my own abilities. I go out and try as hard as I can and have as much fun as I can.” He added that he is excited to finalize the deal and begin preparing for the upcoming season with his new teammates.
The goalkeeper developed through Manchester City’s academy, gaining experience during loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers before a permanent move to Burnley in 2023. He returned to City last July but struggled for regular minutes behind Pep Guardiola’s first-choice keeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma. Trafford is the third permanent addition to Daniel Farke’s squad this summer, following Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic.
Leeds, who finished 14th in the Premier League last season, will open their new campaign against Nottingham Forest on August 22.
