James Trafford pointing upwards while playing for Manchester City

James Trafford Imago

Sources: Leeds agree James Trafford terms

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Published on:

25 Jul 2026, 9:10 am

Leeds United are in advanced talks to sign and Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, sources have told Football Insider.

The 23-year-old England international has now agreed personal terms with the Premier League club as Daniel Farke looks to win the race for his signature.

Newcastle United and Aston Villa have also discussed a potential deal for the goalkeeper.

However, Leeds are now expected to finalise the deal in the coming days, with Trafford set to become their third major signing of the summer.

Despite struggling to break into the starting XI last season at Man City, the England international still made 17 appearances in all competitions and kept eight clean sheets.

Farke and the club's recruitment team have been in the market for a first-choice goalkeeper this summer after the departures of Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow on free transfers.

How good is James Trafford?

Leeds will be hoping that the signing of Trafford can finally end their issues in the net.

The Peacocks have had goalkeeper troubles for many years, with Meslier, Darlow and Lucas Perri all being given a run in the first team in an attempt to solve this problem.

Luckily, all the stats indicate that Trafford will be a hit at Elland Road next season if a deal is completed.

According to Fotmob on 25 July, the goalkeeper made 3.50 saves, had a 70 per cent save rate, prevented 0.63 goals, and kept 0.25 clean sheets per 90 minutes in the Premier League last season.

Therefore, with consistent game time behind him, he could become a bargain buy for Leeds as they look to push up the table and away from the relegation zone.

Stefan Borson shares verdict on Leeds breaching financial rules with James Trafford deal

Who else are Leeds linked to this summer?

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, exclusively told Football Insider that Leeds were leading the race to sign Julian Brandt this summer.

The 30-year-old attacking midfielder is currently a free agent after leaving Borussia Dortmund at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

Brandt’s father was at Thorp Arch training ground for fresh transfer talks last week over a potential move to Elland Road.

Now, Wyness believes that Leeds will get the deal done, despite there being heavy competition for his signature.

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen who Leeds are able to bring into the club over the coming weeks.

Karl Darlow