Leeds United identified James Trafford as their top goalkeeping target early in the summer and are now working to get the deal over the line as quickly as possible.
The Whites made a decisive move last week, entering advanced negotiations with Manchester City over the England international as Daniel Farke looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Before the transfer window opened, Leeds had drawn up a shortlist of goalkeeping options, but Trafford soon emerged as the standout choice. Since then, the club’s recruitment team have made signing the 23-year-old their priority.
Despite interest from several other clubs, Leeds are growing increasingly confident they will win the race for Trafford’s signature, with the deal now moving closer to completion.
Read More: James Trafford’s Leeds deal slammed on talkSPORT – ”He’s worth £15m”
Graham Smyth addresses the latest James Trafford rumours
It emerged last week that Leeds were in advanced negotiations with Manchester City for the signature of the 23-year-old goalkeeper this summer.
Leeds have a broad agreement in place with Trafford over personal terms, and the goalkeeper has given his approval to a move to Elland Road.
The Whites have also been in talks with Manchester City, and a deal is believed to be close to being agreed upon for an initial price of £40m plus another £5m in add-ons.
However, a final agreement is still not in place, which has fueled speculation that the deal between the two clubs has collapsed.
But Graham Smyth has provided an update on the negotiations and insisted that the two clubs are close to reaching an agreement for Trafford’s transfer.
He stressed that any deal of this magnitude needs time to get finalised, as details matter in such agreements between clubs and players.
Trafford is still expected to complete a move to Elland Road and become Leeds United’s most expensive signing to date.
No. Clubs remain close to a full agreement. Like I said before, big deals take time. Details matter.
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) July 30, 2026
Leeds still need one more goalkeeper after Trafford
Landing James Trafford would be a significant statement of intent from Leeds United, with the England international expected to establish himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for years to come.
Even so, his arrival is unlikely to bring an end to Leeds’ recruitment in that position. Lucas Perri is edging closer to a move to Torino, which means Daniel Farke will still need another goalkeeper before the transfer window closes.
Karl Darlow’s departure had already left Leeds short of experienced options, and Perri’s expected exit has only increased the urgency to recruit twice between the posts this summer.
Trafford is set to arrive as the clear number one, but the Whites also need a dependable back-up. Alex Cairns is viewed as a reliable third-choice goalkeeper rather than someone ready to challenge for regular minutes, so another senior shot-stopper is expected to arrive to strengthen the squad and provide cover throughout the campaign.
If theres a Trafford?
I agree. How come clubs, in lets say usually in the top half of the table, get 40m deals done and dusted in what seems like a heartbeat ? although i admire the 49’s ambition, I think paying that kind of money at this stage makes no sense. Lets just say he has a mare of a season, just like Perri did. His get-out clause comes in if were relegated. Do you think he’l be worth 40m+ad on’s then ? I personally think hes worth about 20 max, and we still need a no2 keeper ! Apparently, Farke took Carl into his office and told him he wasn’t gona be our no1 keeper this season ? I rekon that was a massive mistake, cos i think he had at least one more season at this level in front of him. Look at the times Farke has pissed him around with… Read more »
lack of patience everything as to be now this min, need a further 2 goalkeepers Dennis Siemen and steven Benda free as back ups
It’s NOT impatience ! The quicker we get these players in, the better. We’re always last minute merchants in the the summer window. What’s wrong with bringing in new players like other teams before the season kicks off, so that they hit the ground running when the new season starts for a change ?????.