Leeds United Advance in James Trafford Talks
Leeds United is advancing in talks with Manchester City for the English goalkeeper James Trafford, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.
Seeking Regular First-Team Football
Trafford joined the city last summer from Burnley for a £15 million transfer fee. With add-ons, the deal could reach a total of £19 million, which made the deal one of the most expensive departures from Burnley, but the player became the second-choice goalkeeper in Pep Guardiola's team following the arrival of Donnarumma at the end of last summer's window.
He remains one of England's most highly rated young goalkeepers and is seeking regular first-team football after spending last season as Manchester City's understudy.
James Trafford started for all FA Cup and League Cup games, and the team won both trophies last season.
Newcastle United Also Explored a Move
Leeds are not the only club to have shown interest in Trafford this summer; Newcastle initiated talks about Trafford with City during the discussion of Sandro Tonali's transfer, but neither move went further.
Leeds Target New First-Choice Goalkeeper
Leeds United is desperate to bring Trafford as their first-choice goalkeeper to Elland Road following the departure of Karl Darlow to Manchester United as backup to Senne Lammens.
The English goalkeeper was a pivotal part of Burnley in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons with outstanding performance between the sticks. In the 2024-25 season, the player conceded just 16 goals in 46 championship matches and helped Burnley to compete in the Premier League again.
Long-Term Successor at Elland Road
Leeds United consider the goalkeeper a long-term option at Elland Road, considering the potential and experience at this young age, while Newcastle United have turned their attention to other goalkeeping targets, including Carl Rusgworth.
Despite being a backup option in Manchester City, the goalkeeper earned his spot in Thomas Tuchel's squad for the World Cup along with Dean Henderson and Jordan Pickford.
Donnarumma Arrival Changed Trafford's Plans
In his move to Manchester City, the player clearly aimed for the starting goalkeeper position, but Pep and City went on to sign Donnarumma later in the window as a market opportunity, which limited the England international’s starts in the Premier League to just four last season.