Leeds United sign Manchester City's James Trafford in club-record deal
What's the story
Leeds United have signed goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City in a club-record deal. The five-year contract for the England international is worth an initial £40 million plus add-ons, according to Sky Sports News. This transfer marks a new record for an English goalkeeper, besides also surpassing Leeds's previous record signing of Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim for around £35.5 million in January 2023.
Transfer impact
Leeds's summer spending exceeds £70 million
The signing of Trafford takes Leeds's summer transfer spending to over £70 million.
Tarik Muharemovic arrived from Sassuolo for a fee worth £34m. Meanwhile, Harry Wilson arrived from Fulham on a free transfer.
Trafford's arrival is expected to pave the way for Perri's loan move to Torino with an option to buy.
The 23-year-old was Leeds's top goalkeeper target going into the summer and the club hopes he can bring some much-needed stability.
Journey
Trafford leaves City just a year after returning from Burnley
England international Trafford has left Etihad Stadium just a year after returning from Burnley in a £27m move last summer.
He was part of England's FIFA World Cup squad this summer but did not feature.
He made a total of 17 appearances for City last season across competitions, including four in the Premier League.
However, he played a big part in their Carabao Cup and FA Cup triumphs under Pep Guardiola.
Do you know?
New record for a British goalkeeper
The transfer sets a new British record for a goalkeeper, eclipsing the £30 million Everton paid for Jordan Pickford in 2017. It also ranks among the highest goalkeeper transfer fees ever, with only Kepa Arrizabalaga and Alisson moving for larger sums.
Information
Trafford made 73 appearances for Burnley
While still being at City earlier, Trafford had loan moves to Accrington Stanley (11 appearances) and Bolton Wanderers (74 appearances). He sealed a permanent move to Burnley and made 73 appearances. He made 45 appearances in the 2024-25 season with all of them coming in the Championship.
Twitter Post
Welcome!
🔥 Welcome to Leeds, James! pic.twitter.com/Lps89bMTiT
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 6, 2026