When James Trafford rejoined Manchester City last summer, he announced that it was good to be back at “the place I call home”.
But after a few shaky moments in goal, the academy graduate’s return was soon followed by the ominous signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma, and expectedly, the veteran quickly eased him out of the starting XI.
Trafford just had to leave this summer and he agreed to join Leeds United, who have now completed a deal that makes him the most expensive British goalkeeper in history.
The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract after completing his medical this week. The transfer is worth a guaranteed £40m, with add-ons capable of taking the total fee to £45m.
The transfer surpasses the £30m Everton paid Sunderland for Jordan Pickford in 2017.
Trafford is guaranteed the starting role at Leeds, where he will solve their goalkeeping woes after Karl Darlow turned down a new contract offer and joined Manchester United. Illan Meslier joined Arsenal and Lucas Perri, who was replaced as starting goalkeeper last season by Darlow, was not considered good enough.
The England goalkeeper now has a chance to show the potential Pep Guardiola saw when he predicted last season that Trafford would become England’s No 1 goalkeeper.
At international level, Trafford has earned two senior England caps since making his debut in March. He was also included in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for this summer’s World Cup, although he did not feature during the tournament.
