James Trafford completes Leeds move as £40m fee sets new benchmark

Leeds United have completed the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City for a club-record fee.

The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract with Leeds, although the club did not disclose the financial terms of the deal when confirming the transfer on Thursday evening.

Sky Sports reports that the initial fee for Trafford is £40m, making him the most expensive signing in Leeds United’s history.

The transfer also makes Trafford the most expensive British goalkeeper ever and the fourth-costliest goalkeeper in football history.

Only Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alisson Becker and Andre Onana have commanded higher fees. Kepa moved from Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea for £72m, while Alisson joined Liverpool from Roma for £67m. Onana transferred from Inter Milan to Manchester United for £47.2m.

Trafford’s move takes him away from the Etihad Stadium after he made 17 appearances for Manchester City in all competitions last season. Those outings included matches in the Premier League and the Champions League.

The 1.91m goalkeeper has been a key figure for England at several age-group levels. His progress was rewarded with a place in the senior England squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Trafford said he was not concerned about having to prove himself to others after completing his move to Leeds.

“I don’t really care if I have to prove something to anyone. I know my abilities well. I go out on the pitch and give everything I have, and try to enjoy it as much as possible,” he told the club’s television channel.

He added: “I’m really excited and very happy that everything is finally done. Now I can focus on preparing for the new season and joining everyone next week.”

Trafford also spoke about the atmosphere at his new club and the influence of Leeds supporters.

“Leeds is a great club, full of energy and passion, both from the club and the fans. That makes a difference, because the energy of the team, the players and the fans contributes to the results and performances,” he said.

The goalkeeper’s arrival represents a significant investment by Leeds and brings to an end his spell at Manchester City, where he featured during the previous campaign across domestic and European competition. His five-season contract places him at the centre of the club’s plans as he prepares to begin the next stage of his career at Elland Road.