Leeds United have gone hard in this summer window, spending what is needed to land key targets. The Whites have made two signings in this window, and are planning to add more.
They were able to snap up key free agent Harry Wilson ahead of Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Everton.
Leeds also splashed the cash to sign Tarik Muharemovic, the Bosnian comes in as a direct replacement for Pascal Struijk. He is younger and has more potential than the Dutchman.
The remaining targets are also big names courted by multiple suitors in this window.
The Whites want to add Shea Charles to their midfield, with Southampton valuing him at £30 million. Free agent Julian Brandt is also on their radar, with Real Sociedad now interested.
Presenters on talkSPORT slam James Trafford deal
Leeds United are set to clinch the signing of Manchester City keeper James Trafford.
Both sides have been locked in talks over the move since last week. It is now evident that the deal will be completed in the coming days.
🤯 “It’s gone mad!”
😳 “£40m for a reserve goalkeeper!?”
💷 “Considering his PL experience and whatever else, he’s a £15m goalkeeper!”@ChelseaRory and @Ade_Oladipo1 cannot believe #LUFC are about to pay £40m+ for #MCFC‘s James Trafford! 🧤 pic.twitter.com/g7hwina5NU
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) July 29, 2026
Rory Jennings and Ade Oladipo discussed the 23-year old’s reported £40 million transfer fee on talkSPORT.
”Let’s move on to James Trafford, he’ll become the most expensive [English goalkeeper].” Oladipo said.
”See what I mean? It’s gone mad, the football it’s gone mad.” Jennings added.
”The most expensive British goalkeeper in history at £40 million from Man City to Leeds. £40 million for a reserve goalkeeper.” Oladipo replied.
”I mean, he’s a good keeper. I see him being England’s number one very soon. But he’s going to Leeds and it’s going to become England’s record [transfer for a goalkeeper].” Jennings continued.
Oladipo added: ‘This is what I know. My idea of money is gone. For Leeds to be able to spend £40 million on a goalkeeper, we’ve got it wrong.”
”James Trafford, for me, considering his Premier League experience and whatever else, he’s a £15 million goalkeeper.” Jennings made a bold claim at the end.
READ MORE: Manchester City set to secure key clause in Leeds United’s James Trafford deal
Is the England star really worth £40m ?
In today’s market, teams pay for potential more than quality.
That isn’t to say Trafford is not a quality player; his stint at Burnley alone shows how good he is. He kept 29 clean sheets and conceded just 16 goals in their promotion campaign.
And even though he was the second choice keeper at Manchester City, he took his chances.
He kept a clean sheet in both the FA Cup and EFL Cup finals – the only trophies Pep Guardiola’s side won last season.
Leeds are paying for a good level Premier League keeper who has a great CV and trophies to his name; £40 million is a reasonable fee.
Your team Chelsea paid £117 million morgan Rogers that money because you just throw money at nobody’s
If Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal , Liverpool – had been the club buying Trafford no doubt Talksh*t would be singing a different tune. What is there view of Coventry paying £30 million for Rushmore – only worth £1 million?