Leeds United are closing in on the signing of Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, with negotiations between the two clubs progressing well.
The proposed transfer is expected to exceed £35 million, representing one of the club’s biggest investments as they continue strengthening their squad.
The 23-year-old England international is understood to be open to the move, while Leeds’ ownership is prepared to meet his salary expectations, leaving personal terms unlikely to delay the transfer.
Newcastle Shift Focus to Alternative Targets
Newcastle United, long-time admirers of Trafford, have been left behind in the race after holding discussions with Manchester City in recent weeks.
Having previously attempted to recruit the goalkeeper, the Magpies are now exploring other options as Leeds emerge as clear frontrunners.
Trafford’s representatives are reportedly seeking the inclusion of a release clause in any agreement.
The proposal reflects expectations that clubs competing higher up the Premier League table could pursue the goalkeeper in the future if he continues his development.
Manchester City Set to Make Profit on Trafford
A move to Leeds would provide Manchester City with another successful piece of transfer business.
The Premier League champions brought Trafford back from Burnley last summer in a £27 million deal, two years after selling him for £14 million.
Should the current negotiations be completed, City would secure a healthy profit while also benefiting from a sell-on arrangement included in the package.
Donnarumma Arrival Changed Trafford’s Plans
Trafford returned to his boyhood club believing he would become Pep Guardiola’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Those ambitions changed dramatically when City capitalised on the opportunity to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain.
The England international was limited to just four Premier League appearances during the campaign, although he featured regularly in domestic cup competitions, making 13 additional appearances as City lifted both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
With Trafford now expected to depart, City are already assessing the market for another goalkeeper capable of providing competition and cover for Donnarumma.
Midfield Reinforcements Remain a Priority
Manchester City’s transfer activity extends beyond the goalkeeping department.
The club continues discussions with Lille over a potential £85 million move for highly rated Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The 18-year-old is viewed as a significant addition, particularly with Rodri expected to miss the opening stages of the new season following back surgery.
The Spanish midfielder also has only one year remaining on his current contract, with no agreement yet reached over an extension.
Elliot Anderson Completes Big-Money Switch
City have already confirmed the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest in a £116 million transfer, making him the second-most expensive British player in history behind Morgan Rogers’ £117 million move to Chelsea.
The 23-year-old midfielder committed his future by signing a six-year contract and expressed his excitement after completing the move.
Speaking after the announcement, Anderson described Manchester City as one of the world’s biggest clubs, praising the quality of the squad, the environment created for players to succeed, and the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
He added that joining Guardiola’s side was an easy decision once he learned of the club’s interest.
More Arrivals Expected at the Etihad
City’s summer recruitment drive is not expected to end with Anderson.
Club officials are also targeting reinforcements at right-back and on the wing as Guardiola continues reshaping his squad ahead of the new campaign.
Trafford Seeks Fresh Opportunity After Difficult Return
Trafford’s anticipated move to Leeds comes after an unexpected setback during his return to Manchester City.
Having progressed through City’s academy before successful loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers, he established himself as one of England’s brightest young goalkeepers during his time at Burnley.
Although his second spell at City produced limited league opportunities, Trafford acknowledged last season that events had not unfolded as he anticipated, admitting his reduced role was difficult but accepting the situation.
Championship Heroics Underlined Trafford’s Potential
Before returning to Manchester, Trafford produced one of the most remarkable seasons ever by a Championship goalkeeper.
Following Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League, he responded with a record-breaking campaign as the Clarets secured promotion with 100 points.
Trafford registered an astonishing 29 clean sheets in 45 league matches while conceding only 16 goals.
He also established a new Championship record by keeping 12 consecutive clean sheets between December 2024 and March 2025, surpassing the previous mark of nine.
His performances earned him the EFL Championship Players’ Player of the Season award despite Burnley narrowly missing out on the league title to Leeds United on goal difference.
Cup Performances Demonstrated Top-Level Quality
Even with limited opportunities in the Premier League, Trafford impressed whenever called upon in cup competitions.
He played every match of City’s successful Carabao Cup campaign, maintaining an outstanding save percentage of 88 percent, conceding only two goals and recording four clean sheets, including another in the final against Arsenal.
Those displays, combined with his outstanding achievements at Burnley, have reinforced the belief that Trafford possesses the ability to establish himself as a leading Premier League goalkeeper.
A move to Leeds could now provide the regular first-team football needed to fulfil that potential.
