Leeds United sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford for record £45m fee

Leeds United have announced the signing of Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford in a deal worth $45m, making him the most expensive British goalkeeper in football history.

Trafford has agreed a five-year contract with Leeds, who confirmed the transfer in a club statement on Thursday, 6 August 2026.

The move makes Trafford the third permanent addition to Leeds United’s squad during the summer transfer window. The club had previously completed deals for Harry Wilson and Tarek Muharemovic.

The 23-year-old began his career at Manchester City before gaining senior experience during loan spells with Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers. He later joined Burnley, where his performances established him as one of the leading young goalkeepers in English football.

Trafford played a key role in Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League during their time in the Championship. His displays earned him the Golden Glove award, while the Professional Footballers’ Association named him the Championship’s Player of the Year.

He subsequently returned to Manchester City in a deal that was, at the time, the most expensive transfer involving a British goalkeeper. His latest move to Leeds has now set a new record for a British goalkeeper, according to the terms announced by the club.

Trafford made 17 appearances for Manchester City in all competitions during the previous season. He was also included in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Leeds United’s decision to invest heavily in Trafford underlines the club’s belief in the goalkeeper, who has progressed from academy football and loan spells to becoming an established international player.

His development accelerated during his time away from Manchester City. The spells at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers provided regular first-team football before his move to Burnley, where he played a central role in the club’s successful promotion campaign.

Trafford’s performances in the Championship brought individual recognition as well as team success. He collected the division’s Golden Glove and was selected by the Professional Footballers’ Association as its outstanding player in the competition.

Manchester City brought him back in a record-breaking deal for a British goalkeeper, and he went on to feature 17 times for the club across all competitions last season. His inclusion in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup further reflected his rise at international level.

Leeds have now secured his services on a five-season agreement, with the $45m fee making the transfer the latest landmark in Trafford’s career.