It’s no secret that having signed a no.10 and a replacement for Pascal Struijk, Leeds United’s problem position is now in goal, and their priority target will cost a record fee.
Already this summer, Leeds have brought in Harry Wilson on a free transfer and Tarik Muharemovic for £34m. More are expected, as are outgoings, with Max Wober having joined Struijk in leaving the club.
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He joins the likes of Cantona and Ferdinand…
Now, Leeds’ priority will now be a new goalkeeper. Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier have left the club on free transfers and joined Manchester United and Arsenal, leaving Leeds with just Lucas Perri as a senior option.
Alex Cairns has put pen to paper on a new deal, but the veteran stopper is only expected to be a third-choice option largely for homegrown rules. Perri has agreed personal terms with Serie A side Torino.
Leeds United need a goalkeeper, and James Trafford is ideal
With Perri a possible casualty as well, Leeds arguably need two goalkeepers this summer. After links with Zion Suzuki, Leeds have been strongly linked with a move to sign James Trafford from Manchester City.
Leeds are said to be advancing in talks for two-time England international Trafford. The former Burnley stopper was a top adversary for Leeds during the promotion year, and now Leeds want to sign him.
He’s since joined Man City and was with England at the World Cup, but has had to deal with being back-up under Pep Guardiola. Now, City are willing to sell him, but only for £50m, according to Chronicle Live.
A club-record signing, but one worth every single penny
A £50m deal for Trafford would see Leeds not only surpass their club-record signing of Georginio Rutter, but smash it by some considerable margin. Whether Leeds can afford a £50m fee remains to be seen.
TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook claims Leeds are ahead of Newcastle: “Potentially on his way to Leeds from Man City for as much as £50m. He’d be their top wage earner, and they’ve moved ahead of Newcastle.”
Leeds are closing in on a deal for James Trafford! What is your instant reaction! 👀😍
How much would you pay for him?
Trafford cannot be judged on his form this season. But if Leeds are to sign Trafford, it is because of his stunning form for Burnley during 2024-25 in which the Man City man only conceded 16 goals in 45.
Cole Palmer is a massive fan of Trafford, and the goalkeeper is England’s future no.1. If Leeds have £50m to spend, then Trafford would be a stunning signing – worth every penny; if they can afford a deal.
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