James Trafford is reportedly on the verge of a £40m transfer to Leeds United. This move would position the 23-year-old as one of the most expensive goalkeepers in football history, with only Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alisson, and Andre Onana commanding higher fees.
The potential transfer to a high-profile club and a likely starting role is expected to give Trafford consistent exposure at the top level. This comes despite his limited game time at Manchester City last season, where he made 17 appearances across all competitions, with only four in the Premier League.
Trafford's highlights include conceding only 16 goals in 45 matches for Burnley in the Championship, where he achieved 29 clean sheets and an 84.47% save ratio during their 2024-25 promotion season. However, he has yet to fully establish himself at the highest level of club football.
Current England number one, Jordan Pickford, 32, has been a consistent fixture for the national team since the 2018 World Cup, making 91 appearances and keeping 44 clean sheets. He recently surpassed Peter Shilton's England record for World Cup appearances, ending the latest tournament with 19.
While Trafford has made one England debut, he has work to do to displace Pickford, who has prevented more goals and boasts a better save percentage in the Premier League since Trafford's top-flight debut.