Leeds United have signed James Trafford from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £45m, bringing an end to the goalkeeper’s second spell at Etihad Stadium after just one year. The move makes Trafford the most expensive British goalkeeper in history, surpassing the £30m Everton paid Sunderland for Jordan Pickford in 2017.
Limited game time prompted exit from City
Trafford returned to Manchester City from Burnley in a £27m move last summer, but made just 17 appearances for the club, only four of them in the Premier League. He did play a significant role in City’s Carabao Cup and FA Cup triumphs. The 23-year-old was part of England’s World Cup squad this summer but did not feature. His path to becoming City’s first-choice goalkeeper was effectively ended by the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma in September. More than £80m has now been spent on Trafford across his transfer fees. As part of the deal, BBC Sport understands City have retained a 20% sell-on clause and matching rights, meaning they would get first refusal if a future offer for Trafford is matched. Only Kepa Arrizabalaga, at £68m, and Alisson, at £62m, rank as more expensive goalkeepers.
Farke banks on Trafford’s Championship pedigree
Leeds boss Daniel Farke has opted to pay a premium for Trafford despite his restricted opportunities at Manchester City last season. The move follows the departures of both Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier from Elland Road this summer. Lucas Perri and Alex Cairns remain at the club, though Perri lost his starting spot to Darlow in the second half of last season and did not appear in the Premier League after a 4-3 defeat by Newcastle on 7 January. Leeds are investing in a young goalkeeper whose finest form has come in the Championship with Burnley, where he conceded just 16 goals in 45 appearances. Trafford has played only 32 top-flight games in his career so far. Former Burnley boss Scott Parker previously praised his development at Turf Moor, describing him as ‘world class’. Trafford’s 29 clean sheets and 84.47% save ratio were central to Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League in the 2024-25 season. He began his career at Manchester City before loan spells with Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers, then joined Burnley in 2023. Trafford made 73 appearances for the Clarets before City exercised their buy-back option last summer.
