Leeds United have secured the services of England international goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City in a deal that could be worth up to £45m. This move establishes a new record fee for a British goalkeeper, surpassing the £30m Everton paid for Jordan Pickford in 2017.
Trafford, 23, returns to West Yorkshire just a year after rejoining City from Burnley in a £27m transfer. He featured in 17 games for Manchester City last season, including four in the Premier League, and contributed to their Carabao Cup and FA Cup victories.
The arrival of Champions League-winning goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in September reportedly impacted Trafford's prospects of becoming Manchester City's primary choice. Leeds boss Daniel Farke has shown a willingness to invest in Trafford's potential, following the departures of Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier from Elland Road this summer.
Manchester City will retain a 20% sell-on clause and matching rights as part of the agreement. Trafford's career began at City, with loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers before a successful stint with Burnley, where he conceded just 16 goals in 45 appearances in the Championship.