NafisaLeeds United are edging ever closer to completing what could become the biggest signing in the club’s history after reaching a major breakthrough in negotiations for England goalkeeper James Trafford.
Daniel Farke’s side are currently in the United States for their pre-season tour, but work continues behind the scenes as the 49ers push to finalise several important transfer deals before the Premier League campaign begins.
While Leeds have already strengthened with the arrivals of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic, supporters have continued to demand further reinforcements, particularly between the posts.
Several players, including Max Wober, Joe Gelhardt, Largie Ramazani and Jack Harrison, were all left out of the travelling squad after being told they can leave this summer, with Wober’s exit already completed.
Attention has now turned firmly towards landing the club’s priority target.
Leeds reach major breakthrough for James Trafford
Leeds have made signing a new first-choice goalkeeper their biggest objective this summer, and James Trafford remains the player Daniel Farke wants to build his defence around.
Negotiations with Manchester City have accelerated in recent days, with Leeds increasingly confident of getting a deal over the line.
Trafford has already made it clear he is open to the move, while Newcastle United and Aston Villa are no longer actively pursuing the England international, leaving Leeds in pole position.
According to TEAMtalk, the Whites have now reached a broad agreement with Trafford’s representatives over personal terms.
The report claims the 23-year-old has agreed in principle to sign a lucrative long-term contract at Elland Road once the clubs finalise the transfer fee.
Club-record deal now the final hurdle
Although personal terms are now largely in place, Leeds must still reach a full agreement with Manchester City.
The Premier League champions are believed to value Trafford at around £40 million, meaning the transfer would smash Leeds United’s current transfer record if completed.
Talks between the two clubs remain ongoing, with negotiations said to be progressing positively.
The 49ers are hopeful an agreement can be reached before the new Premier League season begins.
Why Trafford is exactly what Leeds needed
Leeds have spent months searching for a goalkeeper capable of becoming the club’s undisputed No.1 for years to come.
Rather than signing an experienced short-term option, the recruitment team identified Trafford as the ideal long-term solution thanks to his age, Premier League experience and enormous potential.
The Whites have admired the England goalkeeper since his impressive spell at Burnley, and despite Manchester City bringing him back to the Etihad, Leeds have remained patient throughout the summer.
That patience now appears to be paying off.
If the deal is completed, Trafford would immediately become one of Daniel Farke’s most important players and could solve one of Leeds’ biggest problem positions for the foreseeable future.
With personal terms now agreed in principle, the focus shifts entirely to finalising a club-record agreement with Manchester City, as Leeds move ever closer to completing one of the most ambitious transfers in the club’s recent history.
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