Leeds United sign James Trafford for club-record fee
Leeds United have completed the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City for a club-record fee, reports BritPanorama.
Leeds is believed to have paid £40 million plus add-ons for the England international, who has signed a five-year contract. This deal surpasses the club’s previous record of £35.5 million, which was paid for Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim.
The acquisition comes as Leeds sought to address their goalkeeping situation following the departure of Karl Darlow and an underwhelming performance from Brazilian Lucas Perri last season.
With Trafford’s signing, Leeds’ total expenditure in this transfer window has exceeded £70 million, while Perri is expected to join Torino on loan with an option to buy. Trafford’s previous season at Manchester City was challenging, particularly after the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma, who became the first-choice goalkeeper.
In the lead-up to his transfer, Trafford had hinted at a possible move, stating: “You never know. Whether I move, whether I don’t move, I do what’s right for me and my career.”
Despite the challenges faced last season, Trafford managed to win the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, playing as the starting goalkeeper in both competitions. Reflecting on his experiences, he remarked, “It’s obviously been very challenging the past season, but looking back, I’ve learned so much, I’ve developed so much.”
Trafford went into the last World Cup as England’s No.3 keeper, behind Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson. He excelled during his loan spell at Burnley, setting a record for the most consecutive clean sheets in the Championship, a feat that earned him the Golden Glove Award and the PFA Championship Player of the Year title.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke has been active in the transfer market following a successful campaign last year, with Trafford joining recent signings Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic. Six players have departed the club, with Pascal Struijk being the most notable, moving to Brighton for £18 million.
In a move indicative of the club’s ambition, Leeds appears poised to bolster its squad significantly as it looks ahead to the upcoming season, a clear signal that the team is prepared for a competitive campaign.
