James Trafford: Where Leeds signing ranks in Premier League's most expensive goalkeepers

Leeds United are set to break the bank for talented goalkeeper James Trafford due to a desperate need between the sticks.

Daniel Farke has needed to replace Illan Meslier for quite some time, and supporters thought Karl Darlow and Lucas Perri were the perfect duo to do so.

After just three seasons, however, Darlow has turned down a deal in favour of sitting on the bench at Manchester United, while the latter is already returning to Italy.

That would leave just 33-year-old Alex Cairns between the sticks, a keeper who has yet to play a minute of senior football since the 2023-24 campaign.

That is exactly why the Whites have been linked with a move for Manchester City's Trafford, and it would appear that a deal is extremely close.

According to Fabrizio Romano, who has issued his famous "here we go" post, Leeds and Man City have reached an agreement over a £40million deal this summer.

Leeds United not afraid to splash the cash

Multiple clubs were interested in the 23-year-old's signature, such as Newcastle United and Crystal Palace, but Leeds have ultimately fended off any competition to win the race.

The deal does not come at a very cheap price, however, seeing him become one of the most expensive shot-stoppers in Premier League history.

But exactly how expensive is he compared to previous deals?

Kepa Arrizabalaga, now of Arsenal, joined Chelsea back in 2018. And while the move never really worked out, he remains the most expensive at £71.6m.

A far more successful signing was that of Alisson, who signed across the dotted line at Liverpool in a deal worth £66.8m in the summer of 2018.

Third is Manchester United Andre Onana, £47.3m, with Trafford bumping former Man City star Ederson out of fourth, who cost £35m in 2017.

What does James Trafford's arrival mean for Leeds' finances?

Leeds mean serious business this summer, with star winger Harry Wilson signing on a free transfer and Tarik Muharemovic arriving for £34m.

That would mean Trafford is the club's third signing of the window, and there could be even more to come from those at Elland Road.

Speaking to Football Insider, finance expert Stefan Borson has already relieved any fears that the signing could tip Leeds over the edge in terms of money.

Even with Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) regulations, the Whites should have no concerns over any potential punishments, or so Borson believes this summer.