Manchester City have reportedly agreed to sell James Trafford to Leeds United for £40 million ($53 million) plus bonuses, a deal that would make the England international the most expensive British goalkeeper of all time.
David Ornstein of The Athletic reported the agreement. Newcastle United had also pursued Trafford and were believed to be his preferred destination, but the Magpies withdrew from the race and opened the way for Leeds to move.
Donnarumma’s Arrival Changed Trafford’s City Role
Trafford joined City last summer expecting to become the club’s No. 1 and began the season in goal. That plan changed when Gianluigi Donnarumma became available, with City signing the Italy goalkeeper for a cut-price $35 million barely a month later.
Donnarumma retained the starting position, leaving Trafford largely restricted to domestic cup matches. The 23-year-old still played an important part in City’s FA Cup and Carabao Cup double.
His standout contribution came against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final, when he produced a triple save early in the match to stop the Gunners taking the lead.
With Donnarumma remaining at City, Trafford was expected to seek regular first-team football elsewhere. Several clubs in the Premier League were alerted to his availability before Leeds emerged with an agreement.
Leeds Plan to Make Trafford Their No. 1
Leeds comfortably avoided relegation last season after Daniel Farke switched to a back three midway through the campaign, making the Whites much more difficult to beat. The club is now attempting to consolidate its Premier League position.
Veteran Karl Darlow left earlier this summer, while Lucas Perri remains among the goalkeepers at Elland Road. Perri lost his place to Darlow last season and has not convinced Farke that he can develop into Leeds’ No. 1.
Trafford would be expected to start if the transfer is completed. He travelled to the World Cup with the Three Lions and has been widely identified as a possible future first-choice goalkeeper for England.
Trafford Set to Break His Own British Record
The proposed move comes almost one year after Trafford surpassed Jordan Pickford as England’s most valuable goalkeeper. The Leeds agreement would eclipse Trafford’s own record and make him the fifth-most expensive goalkeeper in soccer history.
Gianluigi Buffon cost Juventus $60 million in 2001, while Manchester United paid the same amount for André Onana in 2023. The Cameroonian did not establish himself as the No. 1 United wanted and is preparing for a second season on loan with Turkish club Trabzonspor.