Leeds United are increasingly confident of securing the signing of James Trafford after making significant progress in negotiations with Manchester City over what is expected to become a club-record transfer.
The Yorkshire club have identified the 23-year-old England international as their first-choice goalkeeper and are optimistic that the remaining details can be finalised within the next 24 hours. Trafford has made a move to Elland Road his priority after Newcastle United cooled their interest, allowing Leeds to move into pole position.
A fee rising to around £40 million is expected to be enough to complete the transfer, comfortably surpassing Leeds’ current record signing. Reports suggesting Manchester City were demanding as much as £50 million are understood to be wide of the mark.
One aspect of the proposed deal that has attracted attention is the possibility of a future European release clause. While discussions over such a provision have taken place, sources indicate the issue has been exaggerated.
Personal terms are understood to have been broadly agreed, and while various clauses are being discussed—as is standard during contract negotiations—there is no indication Leeds are willing to include any condition that would allow Trafford to leave for a modest fee should a Champions League club come calling.
Trafford had previously attracted interest from Aston Villa, who viewed him as a potential long-term successor to Emiliano Martínez. However, with Villa now expected to retain their current first-choice goalkeeper, that avenue has effectively closed, leaving Leeds as the clear frontrunners.
The goalkeeper is believed to prefer remaining in England rather than moving overseas. Regular Premier League football is viewed as a crucial step in his ambition to eventually succeed Jordan Pickford as England’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Leeds would not have entered formal club-to-club negotiations unless they were confident Trafford wanted the move, and sources close to the talks believe the broad framework of the transfer is now in place. The remaining discussions centre on the final structure of the fee and contractual details.
Manager Daniel Farke sees Trafford as the long-term answer between the posts and intends to install him immediately as Leeds’ undisputed No.1. Club officials also believe the England international can become one of the Premier League’s standout young goalkeepers and play a major role in the club’s ambitions to establish themselves back in the top flight.
If the deal is completed as expected, Trafford will become Leeds’ marquee signing of the summer and another statement of intent from the club following its return to the Premier League.
