NafisaLeeds United have pulled off one of the biggest transfers in their modern history after reaching a full agreement to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford.
After weeks of negotiations behind the scenes, Daniel Farke and the 49ers have finally secured the player they identified as their dream signing, sending a clear message that Leeds intend to compete rather than simply survive in the Premier League.
The move also places Trafford among some of the biggest goalkeeping transfers the game has ever seen.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Leeds United have agreed a deal worth $53 million (£40 million guaranteed, plus add-ons) to sign Trafford from Manchester City, with the transfer now entering its final stages before being officially announced.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also given his famous “Here We Go”, confirming the agreement between the two clubs.
The fee not only makes Trafford the most expensive signing in Leeds United’s history, but also the fifth most expensive goalkeeper transfer of all time.
Only four goalkeepers have ever commanded larger transfer fees:
Kepa Arrizabalaga – $91 million (Chelsea, 2018)
Alisson Becker – $71 million (Liverpool, 2018)
Gianluigi Buffon – $60 million (Juventus, 2001)
André Onana – $60 million (Manchester United, 2023)
James Trafford – $53 million (Leeds United, 2026)
That underlines just how highly Trafford is rated across European football.
The England international had already made it clear that Elland Road was his preferred destination, with personal terms agreed well before the clubs reached their breakthrough.
Although Newcastle United monitored his situation earlier in the transfer window, they never advanced their interest once it became obvious Trafford wanted to join Leeds.
The 23-year-old now looks set to become Daniel Farke’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Leeds have made strengthening the goalkeeping position one of their biggest priorities this summer following the departures of Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow, while Lucas Perri is also expected to leave with Torino pushing to complete a deal for the Brazilian.
Trafford’s arrival completes a remarkable piece of business for the Whites.
Despite being limited to opportunities behind Manchester City’s established stars last season, the former Burnley goalkeeper remains one of England’s brightest young talents and is widely viewed as a future international No.1.
For Leeds, breaking their transfer record was never simply about making headlines.
The club believe Trafford can become the cornerstone of their long-term project, and by completing a deal that ranks among the biggest goalkeeper transfers in football history, they have demonstrated their ambition to establish themselves back among the Premier League’s strongest sides.
Barring any late surprises, only the final paperwork and official announcement now remain before James Trafford is unveiled as the newest—and most expensive—player in Leeds United’s history.
Nafisa
