Leeds sign Trafford from Manchester City in deal worth up to £45m

Leeds United have completed the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City, with the transfer fee potentially rising to £45m. BBC Sport understands the initial fee is part of a package that takes the total spent on Trafford's career moves beyond £80m in initial fees alone.

As part of the agreement, City have inserted a 20% sell-on clause and matching rights, meaning they can match any future offer for Trafford and re-sign him if they choose.

The 22-year-old arrives at Elland Road despite making only a handful of appearances for the Premier League champions last season. Leeds manager Daniel Farke appears ready to pay a premium for Trafford, who is viewed as a long-term investment. The decision follows the departures of Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier during the summer transfer window. Lucas Perri and Alex Cairns are still at the club, but Perri lost his place to Darlow in the second half of last season and did not feature in any top-flight match after January's 4-3 defeat to Newcastle.

Trafford's most impressive spell came on loan at Burnley, where he helped the Clarets win promotion to the Premier League in the 2024-25 season. He conceded only 16 goals in 45 Championship appearances and recorded 29 clean sheets with an 84.47% save ratio. Former Burnley manager Scott Parker described Trafford as "world class" and praised his development before Trafford moved to Manchester City.

In total, Trafford has played 32 Premier League games. He started his career at Manchester City, spending loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers before joining Burnley permanently in 2023. He made 73 appearances for the Clarets before City triggered a buy-back clause last summer.