Leeds United

6 August 2026

Leeds United have confirmed the signing of James Trafford, with the goalkeeper joining the Whites from Manchester City on a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee that is a club record.

The 23-year-old England international becomes the club’s third permanent signing of the summer transfer window following the arrivals of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemović, and he also becomes the most expensive British goalkeeper of all time.

A regular for England throughout the youth age groups, a journey that culminated in his inclusion in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, the 6ft 3in goalkeeper moves from the Etihad Stadium after making 17 appearances in all competitions last season, including outings in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

Trafford began his career with Manchester City, rising through the academy age groups before gaining valuable experience on loan at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers. Impressive displays, along with a place in the PFA Team of the Year for League One, earned Trafford a transfer to Burnley.

In the second tier, Trafford excelled while the Clarets competed with the Whites in the battle for promotion. In February 2025, the goalkeeper made Sky Bet Championship history by setting a new record for the most consecutive clean sheets in a season with 12.

After 33 matches, he had conceded only nine goals, the fewest in English football history at that stage of a season. Across the full campaign, Burnley let in just 16 goals in 46 matches, the lowest total in Football League history, as they secured promotion to the Premier League alongside Leeds United.

After winning the Golden Glove Award and being named the PFA Championship Player of the Year, Trafford completed a return to Manchester City for a record fee for a British goalkeeper, a mark that has since been surpassed again before his move to the Whites.

Back at the Etihad, he claimed the Premier League Save of the Month award for August after producing a dramatic close-range stop to deny Jan Paul van Hecke. He then went on to keep a clean sheet in the Carabao Cup Final as City beat Arsenal 2-0, becoming the second-youngest goalkeeper to achieve that feat.

The Englishman then completed his return season at Manchester City with a domestic cup double, having started the FA Cup Final in City’s win over Chelsea in May 2026.

Alongside his domestic progress, Trafford also advanced through the ranks with the Three Lions and was named in Lee Carsley’s England Under-21 squad for the 2023 Under-21 European Championships after helping the side qualify.

More history followed as Trafford became the first goalkeeper to keep six clean sheets in the tournament, and he even saved a stoppage-time penalty in the final against Spain as England lifted the trophy.

The goalkeeper made his senior England debut in a friendly against Uruguay at Wembley Stadium, before then being selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup a few months later.

Everyone at Leeds United has welcomed James to the club.