James Trafford joins Leeds United from Man City in record £45m deal
Leeds United have completed the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City for up to £45m, breaking the British transfer record for a goalkeeper.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- James Trafford moves from Manchester City to Leeds United in a deal worth up to £45m.
- The fee shatters the previous British goalkeeping record held by Jordan Pickford at £30m in 2017.
- Manchester City retains a 20% sell-on clause and matching rights for future transfers.
- Leeds boss Daniel Farke brings in the young keeper following the exits of Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier.
Leeds United have secured the services of England international goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City in a high-profile transfer worth up to 45 million pounds. The young shot-stopper leaves the Etihad Stadium just a year after returning to the treble winners from Burnley in a 27 million pound deal last summer.
This blockbuster move establishes a brand new British transfer record for a goalkeeper, comfortably eclipsing the previous benchmark set in 2017 when Everton paid Sunderland 30 million pounds for Jordan Pickford. Furthermore, it places Trafford among the most expensive goalkeepers in football history, with only Kepa Arrizabalaga at 68 million pounds and Alisson Becker at 62 million pounds commanding higher transfer fees.
Throughout last season, Trafford made 17 appearances across all competitions for City, including four in the Premier League, while playing an instrumental role in their Carabao Cup and FA Cup triumphs. Having also traveled with England's World Cup squad this summer, total initial transfer fees spent on Trafford throughout his career have now surpassed the 80 million pound mark.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Trafford's transition to Elland Road represents a pivotal turning point in his professional career, offering him the regular first-team minutes necessary to challenge for England's number one jersey. Under manager Daniel Farke, the young goalkeeper aims to replicate the standout form he previously displayed during his stellar Championship campaign with Burnley.
As part of the agreement taking him to Yorkshire, Manchester City has retained a 20 percent sell-on clause alongside matching rights, granting them first refusal should another club make a future bid for the player. Manager Daniel Farke deemed the investment necessary following the departures of both Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier from Elland Road during the summer transfer window.
"Leeds are investing in the potential of a young goalkeeper whose highlights have largely come in the Championship with Burnley..."
BBC Sport
Trafford originally developed through Manchester City's academy system, gaining valuable senior experience during loan spells with Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers before permanently joining Burnley in 2023. He made 73 appearances for the Clarets—conceding just 16 goals across 45 matches in their promotion-winning campaign—before City activated their buy-back option last summer.
Source: BBC Sport
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