Leeds land Trafford from Man City in potential £45m deal

Leeds United have signed Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford in a deal worth up to £45m, with the England international becoming the most expensive British goalkeeper in history. Trafford was part of England's World Cup squad this summer but did not feature. Trafford leaves the Etihad a year after City brought him back from Burnley for £27m. The 23-year-old made 17 appearances for City last season - four in the Premier League - and was part of the squad that won both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. His chances of becoming City's first-choice keeper were effectively ended when Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived in September. Leeds, though, have invested heavily in Trafford's potential. Daniel Farke's side moved after losing Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier this summer, while Lucas Perri and Alex Cairns remain on the books at Elland Road. Perri lost his place to Darlow in the second half of last season and did not play in the Premier League after a 4-3 defeat by Newcastle on 7 January. Leeds are paying a premium despite Trafford's limited top-flight experience. Much of his best work has come in the Championship, where he conceded 16 goals in 45 appearances and finished Burnley's promotion campaign in 2024-25 with 29 clean sheets and an 84.47% save ratio. Former Burnley boss Scott Parker described him as "world class" before Trafford returned to City. More than £80m has now been spent on Trafford in initial transfer fees. Manchester City have also inserted a 20% sell-on clause and matching rights, meaning they will get first refusal if they match any future offer. The £45m package breaks the previous British goalkeeping record of £30m that Everton paid Sunderland for Jordan Pickford in 2017. Only Kepa Arrizabalaga (£68m) and Alisson (£62m) have ever moved for bigger goalkeeper fees. Trafford started at Manchester City and had loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers before joining Burnley in 2023. He made 73 appearances for the Clarets before City activated their buy-back option last summer.