NafisaLeeds United’s long search for a new first-choice goalkeeper appears to be gathering serious momentum after transfer expert Fabrizio Romano delivered a major update that places Daniel Farke’s side firmly in pole position for James Trafford.
The Manchester City goalkeeper has been one of Leeds’ top priorities throughout the summer as the club prepares for its return to the Premier League.
After weeks of speculation linking Trafford with several clubs, Romano has now revealed that Leeds are advancing in negotiations, while Newcastle United were never genuinely part of the race despite widespread reports suggesting otherwise.
According to Romano, Trafford was offered to Newcastle as an option back in June, but the Magpies quickly decided to focus on alternative goalkeeper targets.
Rather than pursuing the England international, Newcastle shifted their attention elsewhere, leaving Leeds with a clear pathway to push ahead with discussions over a deal.
That development is a significant boost for Leeds, who have identified Trafford as their dream signing between the posts. Daniel Farke is determined to strengthen his defensive unit ahead of the new campaign, believing an elite goalkeeper will be crucial if the Whites are to establish themselves back in the Premier League.
Trafford’s situation at Manchester City has also opened the door for a transfer. After returning to the Etihad with hopes of becoming Pep Guardiola’s long-term No.1, the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma dramatically altered those plans.
The 23-year-old found opportunities limited last season, making only a handful of Premier League appearances while spending much of the campaign watching from the bench.
Leeds believe they can offer exactly what Trafford wants most at this stage of his career: regular first-team football. With Karl Darlow departing Elland Road and uncertainty surrounding the club’s goalkeeping department, Trafford would arrive as the clear favourite to become Farke’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Romano’s latest update also contradicts many of the rumours that suggested Newcastle were battling Leeds for the player’s signature. Instead, the respected journalist insists the Tyneside club never progressed beyond Trafford being mentioned internally as one possible option before moving in a different direction.
Leeds have remained patient throughout the process, refusing to rush into alternative signings while waiting for Trafford’s future to become clearer following his involvement at the World Cup. That patience now appears to be paying off.
Negotiations are understood to be progressing well, with discussions focusing on the structure of a potential transfer. Reports suggest Manchester City are open to selling the goalkeeper under the right conditions, while Leeds are increasingly confident they can convince Trafford that Elland Road is the ideal destination to revive his career as a Premier League starter.
Trafford has long been regarded as one of England’s brightest young goalkeepers, having impressed during his rise through Manchester City’s academy before establishing himself at senior level. His shot-stopping ability, composure in possession and confidence playing out from the back make him an excellent fit for Farke’s tactical approach.
For Leeds supporters, Romano’s latest update represents the strongest indication yet that the club are edging closer to landing one of their biggest transfer targets of the summer.
With Newcastle no longer standing in the way and talks continuing to advance, Leeds now have a genuine opportunity to secure the goalkeeper they believe can become the foundation of their Premier League project. The coming days could prove decisive as negotiations continue, but all the momentum now appears to be with the Whites as they push to complete one of the standout signings of their summer rebuild.
Nafisa
