Leeds United have signed goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City for a club-record fee, marking a significant transfer in English football. The deal is understood to be around £40 million plus add-ons, with some reports suggesting the total could reach over £50 million (gbnews.com). Trafford, 23, has joined the Yorkshire club on a permanent basis after spending the previous season on loan, where he made a strong impression and was frequently called upon in key matches.

The transfer has been confirmed by multiple sources, including Serbian media, which reported that Trafford is the most expensive British goalkeeper in history, with the deal surpassing the previous record (press.rs). Meanwhile, Slovenian outlets noted that Trafford has already undergone a medical at Elland Road and is expected to be part of the squad for the upcoming season (sportklub.n1info.si). Portuguese media also confirmed the fee, with one outlet stating the transfer is valued at nearly £50 million (abola.pt).

This move underscores Leeds' ambition to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season, with Trafford's arrival seen as a major step in that direction. The deal also highlights the growing financial stakes in the Premier League, where goalkeepers are increasingly becoming targets for high-profile transfers.

Sources
  • gbnews.com — England star joins Leeds United for club-record fee in huge move for 23-year-old
  • Press.rs — Leeds United oborio rekord: Doveli najskupljeg britanskog golmana ikada
  • sportklub.n1info.si — Bijolov Leeds z novim rekordom
  • A Bola — Mercado: suplente torna-se no quinto guarda-redes mais caro de sempre
  • cnnportugal.iol.pt — OFICIAL: Leeds reforça baliza com contratação recorde
  • calciomercato.com — Ufficiale: Trafford al Leeds, via libera per Perri al Torino
  • vidio.com — Top 10 Penyelamatan Kiper Manchester City | Premier League 2025/26