Leeds United have opened talks with Manchester City over the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford, the club confirmed sources say, as the Whites search for a new number one ahead of the coming season.
Why Leeds need a keeper
Elland Road's goalkeeping ranks were left depleted this summer after Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier both left the club. While Lucas Perri and Alex Cairns remain on the books, Leeds view the position as a priority and are pursuing Trafford as their preferred option.
- Trafford was part of England's World Cup squad this summer but did not appear in the tournament.
- He made 17 appearances for Manchester City last season, including four in the Premier League.
- Trafford previously played 73 times for Burnley before City activated a buy-back clause.
The 23-year-old's career has been a round trip of sorts. He came through City's system, had loan spells at Accrington and Bolton, moved to Burnley and racked up first-team experience before Manchester City exercised a buy-back last summer for a reported £27m plus add-ons. The signing of Italy keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in September subsequently limited Trafford's opportunities at the Etihad.
"Leeds are in talks to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford."
Competition and context
Newcastle United and Aston Villa were also linked with the England international earlier in the summer. However, Villa now expect their established No 1, Emi Martínez, to remain, and Newcastle appear to have moved on from pursuing Trafford.
For Leeds, who are intent on replacing Darlow and Meslier, Trafford represents a young keeper with Premier League experience — albeit limited — and international recognition. He featured 17 times for City last season, four of those in the Premier League, and was part of the Manchester City squad that lifted both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.
| Club | Appearances (from source) |
|---|---|
| Manchester City (last season) | 17 (including 4 in the Premier League) |
| Burnley (before 2024 move) | 73 |
What this means for Leeds
If the deal goes through, Leeds would be bringing in a goalkeeper with years of senior experience despite his youth. That would instantly address their pressing need for a first-choice shot-stopper after a summer of exits. It would also signal Leeds’ willingness to spend to stabilise a key area of the pitch — although the finer financial terms remain a matter for the clubs to settle.
There are practical questions to answer. Perri, who lost his place to Darlow in the second half of last season and did not feature in the Premier League after January, would be pushed further down the pecking order. Alex Cairns would similarly be relegated to a backup role unless the club opts to reshuffle its goalkeeping squad further.
For Trafford, a move to Elland Road could offer regular first-team football, something that dried up after Donnarumma’s arrival at City in September. Having been part of the England set-up at the World Cup this summer, he will be keen to play consistently if he is to continue pushing for international recognition.
Leeds' recruitment plans are continuing to take shape ahead of the new campaign, with the club also linked with other targets elsewhere on the pitch. For fans, the prospect of a new No 1 is a welcome early sign that the club are moving decisively in the transfer market.
Negotiations are ongoing and, as ever in football, can turn quickly. But for now the Whites — and their supporters — can at least say they’ve got their eye on a young keeper who’s already tasted cup success and an England call-up. That will do for starters, even if the transfer office has to do the paperwork before anyone gets too excited.
