Leeds in talks with Man City over deal for Trafford

Leeds United have moved a step closer to securing England goalkeeper James Trafford, with talks underway with Manchester City over a permanent deal. The 23-year-old, who made 17 appearances for City last season—including eight clean sheets—is now Leeds’ primary goalkeeper target as they seek to replace departed shot-stoppers Karl Darlow (to Manchester United) and Illan Meslier (to Arsenal). Newcastle and Aston Villa have also shown interest this summer, but Leeds are understood to be the most advanced in their pursuit.

Why Trafford fits Leeds’ needs

Trafford’s arrival would address a critical gap in Leeds’ squad following the exits of Darlow and Meslier. The England international’s experience at Premier League level—backed by eight clean sheets in 17 games last term—aligns with Leeds’ need for stability between the posts. His World Cup experience with England, though as an unused substitute in Qatar, adds a layer of competition and pedigree that Leeds have lacked since Meslier’s departure. The Elland Road outfit have already moved to strengthen their attacking options with Tarik Muharemovic’s £34m move from Sassuolo and Harry Wilson’s free transfer from Fulham, while offsetting the losses of key personnel. The club’s focus on Trafford underscores their urgency in securing a first-choice goalkeeper before the transfer window tightens on 1 September.

City’s changing goalkeeper landscape

Manchester City’s decision to entertain offers for Trafford comes amid a shifting goalkeeper hierarchy at the Etihad. While Trafford featured regularly under Pep Guardiola last season—making 17 appearances across all competitions—City’s recent recruitment of a new first-choice goalkeeper has created a pathway for his exit. Reports suggest City have agreed terms with a high-profile replacement, though no official announcement has been made. City’s off-field issues have also dominated headlines this summer, with police data revealing they had more fans arrested than any other club in the 2025-26 season. The 102 football-related arrests involving Manchester City supporters—topping Chelsea (76) and Manchester United (67)—highlight the challenges the club faces beyond the pitch. These figures, while unrelated to Trafford’s potential move, underscore the broader pressures City are navigating as they balance squad restructuring with fan behaviour.

What comes next?

The next 48 hours will be pivotal. If Leeds and City can finalise personal terms and agree a fee—reportedly in the region of £25m—Trafford could undergo a medical and complete his move before the window closes. His arrival would provide Leeds with a proven Premier League goalkeeper, while City would free up funds for further squad reinforcement. The deal’s progression hinges on whether both clubs can bridge the gap between ambition and affordability.

For Leeds, Trafford represents more than a positional upgrade—he’s a statement of intent. The club’s summer activity, from high-profile arrivals to targeted departures, signals a clear ambition to compete in the upper half of the table. Securing a goalkeeper of Trafford’s calibre would remove one of the biggest question marks over their season. With Rodri ruled out for an extended period due to a back injury sustained in City’s pre-season campaign, their willingness to part with Trafford suggests they see him as dispensable—a gamble Leeds are keen to exploit.

As the window ticks down, the race to sign Trafford intensifies. Leeds’ progress in these talks will be closely watched, not just for the goalkeeper’s quality, but for what it reveals about their broader ambitions. The outcome could shape both clubs’ trajectories: for Leeds, it may define their ceiling; for City, it may signal their next phase under Guardiola.

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