Leeds United has confirmed the signing of James Trafford from Manchester City. The goalkeeper joins the club on a five-year deal, with reports indicating a fee of £40million plus add-ons. This transfer makes Trafford the most expensive British goalkeeper in history.
The England international, who is 23 years old, is the third permanent addition to Leeds United’s squad this summer, following the arrivals of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemović. Trafford completed his medical examinations earlier in the week before finalising the move.
Trafford’s career trajectory
Trafford began his career with Manchester City, progressing through their youth ranks. He gained valuable experience during loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers. His performances, including a spot in the PFA Team of the Year for League One, led to a move to Burnley.
During his time in the second tier, Trafford excelled, particularly during the 2024-25 season when Burnley competed with Leeds United for promotion. He set a Sky Bet Championship record in February 2025 by achieving 12 consecutive clean sheets in a single season. In 33 games, he conceded only nine goals, which was the fewest in English football history at that point in the season. Burnley ultimately conceded only 16 goals across 46 games, the fewest in Football League history, as they secured promotion alongside Leeds United.
Trafford’s achievements at Burnley included winning the Golden Glove Award and being named the PFA Championship Player of the Year. Following this successful period, he returned to Manchester City for what was then a record British goalkeeper transfer fee.
Upon his return to the Etihad Stadium, Trafford made 17 appearances for Manchester City during the 2025-26 campaign. These appearances included matches in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. He earned the top-flight’s Save of the Month award for August after a close-range save against Jan Paul van Hecke.
He also played a key role in Manchester City’s cup successes, keeping a clean sheet in the Carabao Cup Final as City defeated Arsenal 2-0. Trafford became the second-youngest goalkeeper to achieve this feat. He further contributed to a cup double by starting in the FA Cup Final in May 2026, where City secured victory over Chelsea.
International and club impact
Beyond his club career, Trafford has also represented England at various levels. He was part of Lee Carsley’s England Under-21s squad for the 2023 Under-21s European Championships, where he helped the team qualify. He made history in that tournament by becoming the first goalkeeper to keep six clean sheets and saved a stoppage-time penalty in the final against Spain, contributing to England’s trophy win.
Trafford made his senior international debut for England against Uruguay in a friendly at Wembley Stadium. He was subsequently selected for the 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, though he did not make an appearance in the tournament. He has been capped twice at senior international level.
The move to Leeds United is considered a significant acquisition for the club. Trafford is seen as a rising star in European goalkeeping and is expected to be the undisputed number one at Elland Road. Leeds United has been in search of a new goalkeeper after Karl Darlow departed on a free transfer to Manchester United. Lucas Perri and Alex Cairns remain in the squad.
Beren Cross, a Leeds correspondent, noted that Trafford’s desire for more regular playing time influenced his decision to move from Manchester City, where he acted as a deputy to Gianluigi Donnarumma. Leeds United hopes Trafford will provide a long-term solution in goal. The club has first-hand experience of Trafford’s capabilities, having competed against his Burnley team in the Championship.
Leeds United welcomes James Trafford to the club.
Source: leedsunited.com
Freya Donnelly is the Sports Reporter at News-UK, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB through an Olympic cycle. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Brighton and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Brighton, she plays club cricket in the summer. “Listening is the most underrated skill in sports reporting.”
