Leeds United complete signing of James Trafford
Leeds United have signed goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City on a five-year contract for a club-record £45m fee.
The move makes the 23-year-old the most expensive British goalkeeper in football history, with Trafford becoming Leeds’ third permanent arrival of the summer transfer window following deals for Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic.
Trafford, who was named in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, made 17 appearances across all competitions for City last season, featuring in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Having progressed through City’s youth setup, the goalkeeper built his early reputation on loan at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers — earning a place in the League One Team of the Season — before moving to Burnley.
During the 2024-25 season, Trafford set a Championship record by keeping 12 consecutive clean sheets as Burnley conceded just 16 goals in 46 matches to secure promotion. His performances earned him the Golden Glove and the PFA Championship Player of the Season award.
Upon returning to City, he won the Premier League Save of the Month award in August, kept a clean sheet in the League Cup final against Arsenal, and started in the FA Cup final victory over Chelsea.
On the international stage, Trafford previously starred for England Under-21s, becoming the first goalkeeper to keep six clean sheets at the European Championship after saving a dramatic last-minute penalty in the final against Spain.
