Leeds United are pushing to complete one of the biggest signings of their summer by bringing Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford to Elland Road.
According to talkSPORT, Leeds are already in ‘advanced talks’ with City and the 23-year-old is leaning towards a move to Elland Road.
Leeds have been searching for a new first-choice keeper since Karl Darlow joined Manchester United.
Lucas Perri was Leeds’ first-choice keeper last season, but his performances were far from convincing, forcing the club to explore other options.
Leeds can also turn to Alex Cairns, but they’ve now set their sights on Trafford, making him the leading candidate to take over between the posts.
Trafford is keen to leave City after struggling for regular first-team football, and Leeds are ready to extend an olive branch.
The England international returned to City from Burnley expecting to establish himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.
However, despite being described as an ‘incredible’ goalkeeper by former City manager Pep Guardiola, Trafford was forced to play second fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma, who joined on deadline day.
The Italian became Guardiola’s first-choice option, leaving Trafford to spend most of the 2025/26 season on the bench despite his impressive reputation.
The Englishman made 17 appearances across all competitions last season, featuring in every EFL Cup and FA Cup match as City lifted both trophies.
Trafford has made it clear that he wants to play regularly, even if that means leaving City again.
During the 2024/25 Championship campaign, Trafford was one of the division’s standout players, helping Burnley secure promotion while conceding just 16 goals in 46 league matches.
Leeds know exactly what Trafford can offer and are ready to make him their highest paid player.
They battled Burnley throughout that promotion race and saw first-hand how difficult he was to beat.
His performances also earned him a spot in the England team before making his international debut in March. He was also part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad at the World Cup.
