Club’s interest has increased after Newcastle backed out of a deal due to City’s £50m valuation
Leeds United are in talks with Manchester City over a deal for goalkeeper James Trafford.
The 23-year-old has emerged as the Premier League club’s preferred option to replace Karl Darlow, who left the club on a free transfer to join Manchester United.
Trafford is understood to be open to a move to Elland Road as he looks for regular first-team football, after losing his place in the squad to Gianluigi Donnarumma under Pep Guardiola
Trafford returned to City from Burnley last summer expecting to compete for the No 1 position but became understudy to Donnarumma after the Italian goalkeeper joined on deadline day. Trafford later admitted in February that the situation “wasn’t what I expected” and that he had “tried to guard against the situation happening”.
The goalkeeper made 17 appearances for City during the 2025-26 season, featuring in every Carabao Cup and FA Cup match as the club won both competitions. However, he was unable to displace Donnarumma for Premier League fixtures.
Trafford’s strongest spell came during his time at Burnley, where he was first choice for two seasons. He played a key role in the club’s promotion campaign, helping Scott Parker’s side concede only 16 goals in 46 Championship matches in 2024-25.
The goalkeeper has also moved into the England set-up, making his senior debut in March and earning two caps before being included in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for this summer’s World Cup.
Leeds are not the only club to have considered a move for Trafford. Newcastle United had been interested after previously attempting to sign him last summer, but they are no longer pursuing a deal because City’s £50m valuation is beyond what they are willing to pay.
Leeds currently have Lucas Perri and Alex Cairns as further goalkeeping options, but should the move go through Trafford can be expected to be No 1 and the long-term solution in the position.
