Leeds United Signs James Trafford in Record Deal

Leeds United has officially announced the signing of English goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City on a five-year deal, in a club-record transfer worth £45 million.

Leeds has confirmed that Trafford has become the most expensive British goalkeeper in football history, and this marks their third permanent signing during the summer transfer window after securing Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharimovic.

Trafford is 23 years old and participated in 17 matches with Manchester City across all competitions last season, including games in the Premier League and the Champions League. He has also been included in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup following a remarkable journey with the youth national teams.

The goalkeeper began his career at Manchester City's academy, before embarking on loan spells with Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers, where he caught attention with his performances and was selected in the Team of the Season in the English League One, leading to an opportunity to move to Burnley.

During the 2024-2025 season in the Championship, Trafford delivered exceptional performances, breaking the record for the most consecutive clean sheets in a single season with 12 matches. He contributed to Burnley's remarkable defensive record, conceding only 16 goals in 46 matches, the fewest in the history of the English Football League, leading his team to promotion to the Premier League. Trafford was awarded the Golden Glove and named Player of the Season in the Championship by the Professional Footballers' Association.

After returning to Manchester City, he continued to impress by winning the Premier League Save of the Month award for August, while also keeping a clean sheet in the League Cup final against Arsenal. He then capped off his success by lifting the FA Cup after starting in the final against Chelsea.

On the international stage, Trafford made history with the England U21 team, becoming the first goalkeeper to keep six clean sheets during the European Championship. He saved a last-minute penalty in the final against Spain, contributing to his country's title triumph.