Leeds United identified Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford as their top target early in the summer and are now pushing to sign him in the coming days.
It emerged last week that Leeds were in advanced negotiations with Manchester City to sign the England goalkeeper in the ongoing summer transfer window.
The Leeds recruitment team had identified several goalkeeping targets ahead of the summer transfer window. But the club decided to push for their number one target.
Trafford has several other suitors, but Leeds have encouraging signs that they are going to end up signing the 23-year-old goalkeeper in the ongoing window.
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Adam Pope reveals what he thinks about Leeds’ pursuit of James Trafford
Leeds have been in advanced talks with Manchester City and the goalkeeper’s representatives over a deal to take Trafford to Elland Road.
Newcastle United were also interested, but it appears Leeds now have a clear run at James Trafford this summer.
The 23-year-old is keen on a move to Elland Road and has agreed personal terms on a contract ahead of a potential move to Leeds this summer.
Leeds are set to make him the highest-paid player at the club, and Adam Pope has now given a lowdown on where the club stand in pursuit of Trafford.
The BBC Radio Leeds journalist is confident that Leeds are set to sign him. However, he warned that given the competition they are facing, the Whites will have to work hard to get a deal over the line.
“I still remain pretty confident”, Pope said on the BBC’s Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, talking about Leeds’ pursuit of Trafford.
“But this guy is going to be in demand, so it’s going to be hard to get over the line.”
Leeds are ready to smash their transfer record for Trafford, who is set to cost more than £40m.
“The same jet that brought Noah Okafor has set off from Manchester and landed in Leeds this morning.” 👀
Are Leeds United really about to land James Trafford? 😳#LUFC | #DGTB | #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/KDkN9cKgNo
— BBC Sport West Yorkshire (@BBCWYS) July 27, 2026
The Whites need one more goalkeeper
Signing James Trafford would be a huge boost for Leeds, with the England international expected to make the number one shirt his own for years to come.
Even if that deal goes through, though, Leeds’ work in the goalkeeping department is unlikely to be finished. Lucas Perri is closing in on a move to Torino, meaning Daniel Farke will still need another goalkeeper before the transfer window closes.
Karl Darlow’s departure had already left the squad light in that position, and Perri’s expected exit only reinforces the need to bring in two new goalkeepers this summer.
Trafford will arrive as the clear first choice, but Leeds also need a dependable understudy. Alex Cairns is valued as an experienced third-choice option rather than a genuine back-up, so another senior goalkeeper is expected to come in to provide depth and competition throughout the season.
