League: EPL Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Analysis

James Trafford joins Leeds for £40m from Manchester City

Sky Sports Football • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 9:12 AM

Last updated Jul 28, 2026

James Trafford joins Leeds for £40m from Manchester City

Summary

James Trafford is set to join Leeds United from Manchester City for an initial fee of £40 million, marking the highest transfer fee for a British goalkeeper. The 23-year-old has limited Premier League experience, with only 32 appearances, but was previously viewed as a key figure for City's future. After a challenging season at Burnley, where he conceded 62 goals, Trafford rebounded with a strong campaign in the EFL Championship. Manchester City had initially re-signed him for £27 million from Burnley just a year prior.

Source Links

Sky Sports Football

Key Details

•Trafford becomes the most expensive British goalkeeper in history.
•He has only 32 top-flight appearances to his name.
•Leeds aims to bolster their squad for the Premier League.
•Trafford had a standout season in the EFL Championship.
•He was termed 'world-class' by former Burnley coach Scott Parker.

What they're saying

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James Trafford will become the most expensive British goalkeeper in history with his £40m switch from Manchester City to Leeds.
— Sky Sports Football

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