Leeds United are increasingly confident of securing James Trafford from Manchester City, with Newcastle United withdrawing from the race after Trafford expressed his preference for the Yorkshire club.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, James Trafford has also been a target for Newcastle United. The Magpies have been keen on bolstering their first-team squad by signing a goalkeeper, but per TEAMtalk, Newcastle have reportedly ruled out a move for the 23-year-old Manchester City shot-stopper due to his preference to join Leeds. Trafford’s explicit preference for Leeds signals that the Elland Road move is his priority, easing the club’s path to negotiations.
That strengthens Leeds United’s negotiating position. Per TEAMtalk, Manchester City are understood to be seeking £40 million from Trafford’s departure, and the fee will be a new transfer record at Elland Road. Meanwhile, Ben Jacobs reports that the Englishman is closing in on joining the West Yorkshire club as talks between the parties advance.
How has James Trafford fared since returning to Manchester City?
James Trafford rejoined Manchester City from Burnley in a deal worth £27 million last season after establishing himself as one of the world’s best young goalkeepers in an excellent 2024/25 campaign. The 23-year-old was instrumental in a memorable season for Burnley, winning the Golden Glove in the EFL Championship. That prompted Manchester City to re-sign the youngster.
However, Trafford fell in the pecking order after Manchester City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day of the transfer window. The English stopper managed only 1,530 minutes of game time in 17 appearances for Manchester City. A departure has long been anticipated, with Newcastle United and Leeds United hoping to take advantage of the situation.
Move across the Premier League on the cards?
Newcastle United have harboured long-standing interest in Trafford, and reports from earlier in the window linked him to St. James’ Park. The interest made sense, as Nick Pope is approaching the twilight of his career and likely to leave the Tyneside club. While Ewen Jaouen has arrived at St. James’ Park, Newcastle still need another new goalkeeper to replace Pope.
As for Leeds United, Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow have departed from Elland Road as free agents, leaving Lucas Perri as the only goalkeeper in Daniel Farke’s squad. However, the Brazilian faces an uncertain future at the West Yorkshire club amid his links with Torino. Trafford is now Leeds’ priority goalkeeper target and offers immediate Premier League experience for a newly promoted side.
Meanwhile, Ben Jacobs reports that Leeds United and Trafford are in fast-moving talks over personal terms, including a release clause that will grant the 23-year-old control of his future. If talks conclude successfully, Leeds will have secured a settled goalkeeper for their Premier League return.
