James Trafford gives Leeds United green light for transfer despite Newcastle negotiation — Leeds Live 23/7/26

-

Manchester City's James Trafford has emerged as a priority target for Leeds United as Daniel Farke tries to sign a new goalkeeper this summer

Kieran King Football Writer

Leeds United are in talks with Manchester City over a move for James Trafford. The Whites are in the market for a new goalkeeper after losing Karl Darlow, who ended last season as No.1 to Manchester United on a free transfer, and Illan Meslier after he joined Arsenal.

Trafford, 23, has since emerged as Leeds' top target for that position, and the club is now in talks to sign him, according to The Athletic.

It's added that, despite strong interest from Newcastle United, the City shot-stopper is leaning towards a move to Elland Road.

Newcastle wanted to sign Trafford last summer before he decided to re-join City from Burnley. He returned to the Etihad Stadium under the impression he would be first choice following Ederson's move to Fenerbahce.

However, the addition of Gianluigi Donnarumma late in the window saw Trafford drop down to No.2 and act as the back-up goalkeeper throughout the 2025/26 season.

Trafford said in February that being second choice at City "wasn't what I expected" and that he "tried to guard against the situation happening". He still managed to make 17 appearances across all competitions for City and helped them win both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

But he is keen to have first-team football next season and become a No.1 in the Premier League. That is where Leeds could come as the perfect next destination for Trafford, with the Whites desperate for a new first-choice.

Farke does still have second-choice Lucas Perri, signed from Lyon on a four-year deal last summer, and third-choice Alex Cairns on their books, but a new No.1 is needed ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season.

Given Trafford does prefer a move to Leeds, Eddie Howe's side are looking at alternatives - including Parma's Zion Suzuki and Brighton's Carl Rushworth.

Trafford was Burnley's undisputed No.1 in the previous two seasons before he moved to City, and was a key member of the defence that conceded just 16 goals in 46 Championship matches in 2024/25.

Popular posts from this blog

Why Leeds United are ready to break transfer record on £40m 'moonshot' James Trafford — YEP 28/7/26

-
By Kyle Newbould When Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe spoke about transfer ‘moonshots’ last month it was in the context of attacking targets - but goalkeeper James Trafford might prove the biggest moonshot of the summer. Leeds are on the verge of completing a deal for the Manchester City goalkeeper that will be worth £40million plus add-ons. It will be a club-record transfer by some margin, eclipsing the £35.5m spent on Georginio Rutter back in January 2023. Trafford will also strengthen his status as the most expensive English goalkeeper ever, having already been so following his £31m move from Burnley a year ago. City signed Trafford to be their No.1 but an opportunity to land Italian international Gianluigi Donnarumma - widely regarded as one of the world’s best goalkeepers - could not be passed up. Opportunities were therefore limited for the 23-year-old but he still impressed when called upon. Trafford played 17 games for Manchester City across all competitions, which...
Read more

Medical complete & deal agreed as Leeds United set to confirm club-record summer transfer — YEP 6/8/26

-
By Kyle Newbould Leeds United are set to break their transfer record with the arrival of James Trafford. Leeds United are edging closer to a club-record deal for James Trafford following the completion of the goalkeeper’s medical. As first reported by The Athletic on Thursday morning, the YEP understands Trafford has undergone relevant medical tests this week and is set to become Leeds’ third signing of the summer. A deal worth £40million plus add-ons has been agreed with Manchester City. The 23-year-old will become Leeds’ record transfer, eclipsing the £35.5m spent on Georginio Rutter in January 2023. He will also become the fourth-most expensive goalkeeper in history. Here at the YEP, we're running a HALF PRICE subscription deal throughout pre-season. Subscribe to ensure you catch every inch of our Leeds United coverage next season. Leeds made the signing of a clear No.1 goalkeeper one of their priorities this summer, with a new contract offer for Karl Darlow not incl...
Read more