Leeds United fans received the news they wanted to hear on Monday night, as David Ornstein confirmed that James Trafford is now set to join Leeds for a club-record fee of £40m plus add-ons.
There had been silence in the media for a few days, and fans were starting to show concern. Not only because Leeds need a new goalkeeper, but because the £40m signing of Trafford is such a huge coup.
But Ornstein confirmed a move is close on Monday night. Of course, Trafford is leaving Man City for a second time after rejoining the Premier League giants from Burnley last summer, in a deal worth £27m.
Trafford thought he would be first choice, but City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma. Now, Leeds have pounced. A deal worth £40m, and more in add-ons, is agreed and Trafford is now due for a medical.
The Jordan Pickford record James Trafford is set to break
With Pickford turning 33 next season, Trafford is a contender to replace the Everton goalkeeper as no.1 under Thomas Tuchel. Pickford might have a tournament or two left, but Trafford is his replacement.
For now, Trafford will have to contend with beating Pickford in another area. The current England no.1 remains the most expensive English goalkeeper of all time, after Everton spent £30m on him in 2017.
That changes when Leeds finally announce the signing of Trafford. Not many could have predicted Leeds would go into the 2026-27 season having broken the record for England’s most expensive goalkeeper.
But the £40m fee, before any add-ons, will make Trafford not only Leeds’ club-record signing, but the most expensive English goalkeeper of all time. It will be some time before that is broken once again.
Charlie Cresswell’s verdict and Trafford’s incredible 2024-25
Leeds are not simply signing Man City’s back-up goalkeeper, they are signing one of the best in the Premier League. After his 2024-25 form at Burnley, Trafford thought he was joining City as their no.1.
RATE 1-10: How good is Leeds’ imminent signing of James Trafford? 🔥
A record £40m fee plus add-ons.
Everyone else did, too. It was a gamble for a club like City, but Trafford has the potential, the shot-stopping qualities and, importantly, the ability to play out from the back with the ball at his feet.
That didn’t go to plan. But there is no doubting Trafford’s quality; just read what Charlie Cresswell said back in 2023: “Traff has massive arms and hands. He is a great keeper and an equally great guy.”
Leeds are signing a goalkeeper who conceded a meagre 16 goals in 45 Championship games during the 2024-25 season, clocking up an enormous 29 clean sheets. That is the man Leeds are signing for £40m.
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