Leeds United have completed the signing of Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford in a deal worth up to £45m, smashing the British record for a goalkeeper. The 23-year-old England international moves to Elland Road after just one season back at the Etihad, where his opportunities were limited by the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The fee eclipses the £30m Everton paid Sunderland for Jordan Pickford in 2017, making Trafford the most expensive British goalkeeper in history. Only Kepa Arrizabalaga (£68m) and Alisson (£62m) have commanded higher transfer fees globally for a goalkeeper.
Trafford’s standout performances came during Burnley’s 2024-25 Championship promotion campaign, where he kept 29 clean sheets and claimed an 84.47% save ratio. Despite only 32 top-flight appearances, his potential convinced Leeds boss Daniel Farke to invest heavily after the departures of Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier. Leeds finished 14th in the Premier League last season with 47 points (11W-14D-13L), conceding 56 goals.
City retained a 20% sell-on clause and matching rights, meaning they could reclaim Trafford if they match a future bid. With Lucas Perri and Alex Cairns as current options, Trafford is expected to compete for the starting spot immediately. His arrival signals Leeds’ ambition to strengthen a defence that conceded 56 goals in the 2025 campaign, finishing 38 points behind leaders Arsenal.
