Last season, Leeds United had four goalkeepers in the first team as they survived their first campaign back in the top flight. Daniel Farke guided his side to a 14th-placed finish.
Alex Cairns, Karl Darlow, Lucas Perri and Illan Meslier were under contract last year.
This summer has seen the club lose two of them, with Darlow and Meslier leaving on free transfers. The Whites went on their pre-season training camp to the US with just two goalkeepers.
The 49ers reached an agreement with Manchester City over James Trafford on Monday.
Leeds decided to wait for the England international after the World Cup, waiting on his decision. Trafford has given the okay and is now set for a move to Elland Road this summer.
Details of Leeds United’s deal for James Trafford emerge
Leeds United have not had real consistency in the goalkeeping department since Meslier’s early years at the club.
Just last year Meslier was still first choice, but was benched in the final stretch of games on their way to promotion. The Whites thought they had solved that by signing Lucas Perri from Lyon last year.
The Brazilian started the season well, before injuries disrupted his progress.
Farke made the decision to bench Perri for Darlow for the rest of the season.
Leeds are now hoping the addition of James Trafford will be a long-term solution to a persistent problem. The Daily Mail have now reported the details of the transfer deal.
Trafford is set to sign a deal for around £130,000 a week, which makes him one of the club’s highest earners.
The deal could cost up to £45 million including bonuses and City will retain a sell-on clause.
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49ers have now resolved a major problem
When Trafford arrives, Leeds will finally have a goalkeeper they can trust in for the future.
The 23-year old has shown over the last few years that he is rightfully rated as one of the best in the country. He conceded just 16 goals and kept 29 clean sheets for Burnley in the Championship.
And even in the limited games he had for Manchester City, he shone.
He was pivotal in both domestic cup triumphs, keeping a clean sheet in the final of the FA Cup and League Cup.
The 49ers have shown their ambition, and that the project is one that every player will like to sign on board with this major transfer.
