Leeds United have shattered their transfer record with a £40m move for Manchester City and England goalkeeper James Trafford. The deal includes £5m in add-ons, making him the most expensive English goalkeeper in history.
Why Leeds needed a new goalkeeper
The club faces a goalkeeping crisis after Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier left on free transfers. Darlow joined Manchester United, while Meslier moved to Arsenal. Lucas Perri, on loan to Torino, and third-choice Alex Cairns are the only remaining options.
Breaking the club record
The £40m fee surpasses Leeds’ previous record of £35.5m paid for Georginio Rutter in January 2023. Trafford’s arrival also eclipses Jordan Pickford’s nine-year-old record as the most expensive English goalkeeper.
What this means for Leeds
With Raphinha’s £55m sale to Barcelona and Kalvin Phillips’ £42m move to Manchester City, Leeds have reinvested heavily. Trafford’s signing strengthens their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
