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Leeds United sign James Trafford for record £40m

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-07-27 21:49 UTC → 2026-07-29 23:42 UTC · added removed

Leeds United progressed moved from advanced talks negotiations in late July 2026 to completing a record signing of confirming an agreement with Manchester City for England under‑21 goalkeeper James Trafford. On 25 27 July the clubs were negotiating a fee of roughly £40 million, a sum that would eclipse Leeds’ previous transfer record. Manager Enzo Maresca reiterated the club’s interest and rival bids from Newcastle United and an unnamed European side faded, leaving Leeds as the clear front‑runner. Two days later, Leeds announced an agreement with Manchester City for a reported £40 million fee plus add‑on payments, reportedly around payments of about £5 million, and with a sell‑on clause. A medical was scheduled that week to finalize finalise the move. transfer. The transfer follows Leeds’ recent acquisitions of Tarik Muharemovic and Harry Wilson and addresses the vacancy left by Karl Darlow’s departure. If the deal is includes a sell‑on clause and, if completed, it will rank among the five most expensive goalkeeper transfers and make Trafford the club’s highest‑paid player, overtaking ever. A follow‑up report on 29 July clarified that the previous top wage of £93,750 per week. total outlay could rise to roughly £45 million when all add‑ons are triggered. The signing is viewed as move addresses Leeds’ need for a long‑term solution first‑choice keeper after Karl Darlow’s departure, while Manchester City have shifted Darlow to Manchester United and retained Gianluigi Donnarumma as their primary goalkeeper. Trafford, who made 17 appearances for City this season and earned his England senior debut in March, joins the club alongside recent signings Tarik Muharemovic and Harry Wilson. If the medical is passed, the transfer will become Leeds’ goalkeeping position record signing, cementing Trafford as the club’s highest‑paid player and providing a potential stepping‑stone toward platform for future England senior honours for Trafford. honours.

Versions

  1. 2026-07-29 23:42 UTC Leeds United sign James Trafford for record £40m
  2. 2026-07-27 21:49 UTC Leeds United sign James Trafford for record £40m
  3. 2026-07-25 19:05 UTC Leeds United near record deal for James Trafford

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