Leeds United ‘to sign’ James Trafford in £40m deal to break English goalkeeper record | OneFootball

David Ornstein reported on Monday night that Leeds United are set to sign James Trafford for a club-record £40m plus add-ons, with a medical expected.

The goalkeeper is poised to leave Manchester City for a second time, having rejoined from Burnley last summer in a £27m move. He had anticipated being first choice, only for City to bring in Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The £40m fee, before any add-ons, would make Trafford Leeds’ most expensive signing and the costliest English goalkeeper ever, surpassing Jordan Pickford’s £30m switch to Everton in 2017.

With Pickford turning 33 next season, Trafford is viewed as a contender to become England’s no.1 under Thomas Tuchel.

Trafford’s 2024-25 form at Burnley underlined his pedigree, conceding 16 goals in 45 Championship games and recording 29 clean sheets. In 2023, Charlie Cresswell also praised his qualities on and off the pitch.

Source: Leedsunited.news