Leeds sign James Trafford from Manchester City for a club‑record £40m
The 23-year-old James Trafford joins on a five‑year contract in a club‑record move worth £40m including add‑ons.
Leeds United have completed the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City on a five-year deal, the club announced on 07.08.2026. The fee is reported at £40 million including add-ons, establishing a new transfer record for the club.
Huge outlay aims to solve long‑running goalkeeping problems
The 23-year-old is Leeds’ third acquisition this summer after Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic, and arrives as the club’s primary target to address persistent uncertainty in the goalkeeping department.
The £40m package surpasses Leeds’ previous record of £35.5 million, paid for Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim in January 2023. With Trafford’s arrival, Leeds’ spending in this transfer window has now exceeded £70 million.
Trafford’s transfer also sets a British goalkeeping record and moves him to fourth on the list of the most expensive goalkeepers ever, behind Kepa Arrizabalaga (£72m to Chelsea), Alisson (£67m to Liverpool) and Andre Onana (£47.2m to Manchester United).
The deal is expected to free the way for Lucas Perry to join Torino on loan with an option to buy; Torino are awaiting Perry’s recovery from a minor injury before finalising the move. Leeds have indicated they may still recruit an additional goalkeeper to serve as Trafford’s backup.
The signing represents a significant financial commitment from Leeds as they attempt to stabilise a key position ahead of the new season.
Photo: press material from the event
