Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford has officially joined Leeds United.

Leeds United Football Club officially announced today the signing of 23-year-old England goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City.

The two sides signed a five-year long-term contract, and the transfer fee broke Leeds United's club record, making Trafford the most expensive English goalkeeper in football history.

As Leeds United's third major signing this summer, following Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic, Trafford's arrival has significantly strengthened the team's defense. The 1.91-meter-tall Trafford is a product of Manchester City's youth academy and made 17 appearances for City in the Premier League and Champions League last season.

During his time at Burnley at Trafford, he performed brilliantly in the 2024-25 Championship season, not only breaking the league record with 12 consecutive clean sheets, but also setting a record for the fewest goals conceded in an English football league season with only 16 goals in 46 games. He won both the Championship Golden Glove Award and the PFA Championship Player of the Year Award.

After returning to Manchester City, Trafford continued his excellent form, starting in the FA Cup final in May 2026 and keeping a clean sheet, helping Manchester City defeat Chelsea to secure the "cup double".

At the national team level, Trafford helped England win the 2023 U21 European Championship with a clean sheet and made his senior national team debut in the same year. He was also selected for England's 26-man final squad for the 2026 USA-Mexico World Cup.

Leeds United warmly welcome Trafford to the club and look forward to the young goalkeeper building a solid defensive barrier for the team in the upcoming Premier League season, thanks to his solid goalkeeping skills and rich experience in winning titles.

Image source: Internet/Leeds United official website