NafisaLeeds United supporters have been waiting patiently for a major breakthrough in the transfer market, and it now appears the club are just one step away from landing arguably their biggest signing of the summer.
Daniel Farke has made strengthening the goalkeeping department one of his top priorities after returning to the Premier League, with Leeds determined to bring in a long-term No.1 capable of taking the club forward for years to come.
After weeks of negotiations behind the scenes, the Whites now appear to be on the verge of getting their man.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Leeds United are now close to completing an agreement with Manchester City for James Trafford, with the transfer entering its final stages.
Ornstein reports that the deal is worth a guaranteed £40 million, with additional performance-related bonuses included in the agreement. The transfer of the 23-year-old England international is now in the process of being finalised.
The latest update represents the biggest breakthrough yet in Leeds’ pursuit of Trafford, who has been identified by Farke and the club’s recruitment team as their dream choice between the posts.
The goalkeeper has already made it clear he wants the move to Elland Road, with personal terms no longer viewed as an obstacle. Instead, discussions have centred around finalising the structure of the transfer between the two clubs.
Manchester City had been keen to protect their long-term interests in one of their academy graduates, while Leeds remained focused on securing a deal that reflected their ambition without compromising future flexibility.
Those negotiations now appear to have reached a successful conclusion.
Trafford is expected to arrive as Leeds’ undisputed first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the new Premier League campaign, replacing Lucas Perri, who is closing in on a move to Serie A side Torino.
The Brazilian’s departure is expected to accelerate once Trafford’s arrival is formally completed, completing a significant overhaul of Farke’s goalkeeping department.
The proposed £40 million guaranteed fee will comfortably eclipse Leeds United’s previous transfer record, underlining the 49ers’ willingness to invest heavily as they look to establish the club back in the Premier League.
Trafford, widely regarded as one of England’s most exciting young goalkeepers, is viewed internally as a player capable of becoming the club’s long-term No.1 for many years.
With David Ornstein confirming the agreement is now being finalised, Leeds supporters may not have much longer to wait before seeing one of the biggest transfers in the club’s recent history officially completed.
Nafisa
