Leeds United in Talks to Sign Man City Keeper James Trafford
Leeds United have stepped up their search for a new No 1 and are in advanced talks with Manchester City over a deal for goalkeeper James Trafford.
The 23-year-old England international has emerged as Leeds’ first-choice target to anchor Daniel Farke’s side, with discussions progressing as the club looks to rebuild its goalkeeping department after a summer of upheaval.
Newcastle and Aston Villa have both tracked Trafford during this window, sounding out the possibility of a move, but Leeds are understood to be furthest down the line in negotiations as they push to close a deal.
A Return to the Spotlight
Trafford, who returned to the Etihad from Burnley ahead of the 2025/26 season, featured 17 times for City last term and made a strong impression when called upon. He kept eight clean sheets in those appearances, underlining why Premier League clubs and ambitious promotion chasers have circled around him.
His form earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup. He did not make an appearance at the tournament, but the call-up alone underlined his growing reputation at international level.
Leeds’ Goalkeeping Reset
Leeds’ move for Trafford comes after a dramatic reset in the goalkeeping department. Karl Darlow has left for Manchester United on a free transfer, while Illan Meslier has joined Arsenal, also on a free. Two senior goalkeepers out, no established No 1 in the building. Leeds cannot afford to get this next decision wrong.
That urgency has pushed Trafford to the top of their list. Young, already capped at international level, and with experience in a high-pressure environment at City, he fits the profile of a long-term solution rather than a short-term patch.
Key Summer Business at Elland Road
The pursuit of Trafford sits alongside a broader reshaping of the squad.
Leeds have already invested significantly in their outfield options, bringing in defender Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo in a £34m deal and adding creativity with Harry Wilson on a free transfer from Fulham.
There have been notable exits too. Pascal Struijk has joined Brighton in an £18m move, while Isaac Schmidt has departed for Young Boys for an undisclosed fee. Darlow and Meslier’s free transfers to Manchester United and Arsenal respectively have left gaps that Leeds must now fill smartly.
So the picture is clear. The spine is being rebuilt, the back line reshaped, and the last piece at the back is a commanding goalkeeper. If Leeds can get Trafford through the door, it will say plenty about their ambition — and about where they believe this squad should be heading in the seasons to come.
