Leeds United have officially announced the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City on a five-year contract. While the club did not disclose the specific financial details, the transfer represents a new record fee for the Premier League side. British media outlets have reported the valuation at approximately 40 million pounds ($53.82 million) including potential bonuses, which establishes the 23-year-old as the most expensive British goalkeeper in history.
Trafford, who earned a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for this year’s World Cup, featured in 17 matches for City across all competitions throughout the previous campaign. Reflecting on the move, the goalkeeper expressed his enthusiasm in a statement on the club’s website, noting, “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 eager to integrate with his new teammates and begin preparations for the upcoming season.
A product of Manchester City’s youth academy, Trafford previously gained senior experience through loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers before a permanent move to Burnley in 2023. Following his return to City last July, he found regular playing time difficult to secure behind Pep Guardiola’s primary choice, Gianluigi Donnarumma. Trafford now becomes the third permanent arrival for manager Daniel Farke this summer, joining recent signings Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic.
Leeds United, who concluded the last Premier League season in 14th place, are scheduled to kick off their new campaign on August 22 with a match against Nottingham Forest.
