James Trafford admission may hand Leeds United an opening in summer keeper search | OneFootball

Leeds may return to the goalkeeper market this summer, and James Trafford’s recent admission could give them an opening. According to Leeds Live, only one of the club’s four senior keepers is under contract beyond June.

Illan Meslier, Karl Darlow and Alex Cairns are due to leave in June unless renewed, though a new deal for Meslier is not expected. Lucas Perri, tied down to 2029, impressed in Sunday’s FA Cup win against Birmingham City, making a fine early stop and saving a penalty in the shoot-out.

Daniel Farke has indicated Perri remains the back-up for now, with Darlow restored as first choice, the man he had been expected to displace. That stance means Leeds may assess alternatives in the next window.

Trafford, 23, is Manchester City’s second choice after a £27m return from Burnley last summer. Speaking after Saturday’s 2-0 win over Salford City, he said he had not expected Gianluigi Donnarumma to arrive and take the starting role, adding he had not been promised the number one shirt and would keep working hard.

A move for Trafford would most likely be a loan given his wages and City’s inability to avoid a PSR loss on last year’s fee. Any Leeds push would surely hinge on Premier League survival.

It may also depend on whether Perri can regain the starting berth, with only 12 Premier League matches remaining. Farke hinted in January he had wanted another goalkeeper, having previously criticised £16m signing Perri.

For now, it seems likely Leeds will explore options in the summer if they stay up, and Trafford is one they could consider.

Source: Leeds Live