Leeds United have signed James Trafford from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £45m, making the 23-year-old the most expensive British goalkeeper in history.
The England international leaves the Etihad Stadium only a year after City brought him back from Burnley for £27m. Trafford was part of England’s World Cup squad this summer but did not make an appearance during the tournament.
He played 17 times for Manchester City last season, including four Premier League matches, while also featuring prominently during the club’s successful FA Cup and Carabao Cup campaigns.
Trafford’s prospects of becoming City’s long-term first-choice goalkeeper were significantly reduced after the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma in September. The Italian’s move pushed Trafford further down the pecking order and opened the door for another permanent transfer.
Leeds have now paid a fee that surpasses the previous British goalkeeper record set when Everton signed Jordan Pickford from Sunderland for £30m in 2017. Trafford also becomes one of the most expensive goalkeepers in football history, behind only Kepa Arrizabalaga and Alisson in terms of reported transfer fees.
More than £80m has now been spent on Trafford in initial transfer fees during his career.
Manchester City will also retain a financial interest in any future move. The agreement with Leeds includes a 20% sell-on clause as well as matching rights, meaning City would have the option to match a future offer for Trafford and receive first refusal.
Leeds’ investment comes after both Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier left Elland Road this summer. Lucas Perri and Alex Cairns remain at the club, although Perri lost his starting place during the second half of last season and did not feature in the Premier League after a 4-3 defeat by Newcastle United on 7 January.
Trafford arrives with only 32 Premier League appearances to his name, but his strongest senior form came in the Championship with Burnley.
During the 2024-25 promotion campaign, he conceded only 16 goals in 45 league matches, recorded 29 clean sheets and posted an 84.47% save rate. Those performances helped Burnley return to the Premier League and convinced Manchester City to activate their buy-back option last summer.
Trafford originally came through City’s academy before gaining senior experience during loan spells with Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers. He joined Burnley permanently in 2023 and made 73 appearances for the club before returning to Manchester.
Leeds are now backing his long-term potential with a record-breaking fee as they reshape their goalkeeping department ahead of the new season.