Everyone around Leeds United acknowledged that this summer window was going to be an important one. Daniel Farke was vocal about the team investing on the pitch.
And he got just what he wished for as the club targeted some serious reinforcements.
In came Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic and Nico Elvedi. Leeds missed out on two big targets including Julian Brandt and Shea Charles; this summer would have been even better if they signed the duo.
The aim was to build upon the team that had already survived the Premier League and finished in 14th place.
And there was one position in the squad that the ownership were going to fix.
Leeds United star could see his value increase after latest development
James Trafford. Credit: IMAGO
Leeds United ended last season with Karl Darlow in goal, with the Welsh international replacing Lucas Perri for the latter part of the season.
Perri was brought in the summer for big money, with everyone expecting the Brazilian to solve the club’s goalkeeping woes. But things did not go as planned and a new target was identified.
Leeds ended up spending £40 million on James Trafford, a record transfer fee.
Many debated the value of the goalkeeper, seeing that he spent most of last year on the bench for Manchester City. But the former Burnley keeper has proved everyone wrong with an incredible start to the season.
Trafford has conceded just three goals in six games in all competitions, keeping a clean sheet.
Thomas Tuchel named him the starter for England’s defeat in the Nations League this weekend. This was a very big moment, as Trafford was given the nod over England number one Jordan Pickford.
This could very well mean that the Leeds star could take the number one spot in the near future.
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James Trafford was never a gamble by the 49ers
For a keeper of his worth, £40 million for James Trafford will feel like a bargain down the line.
The market has been very inflated this summer with sub par players going for huge fees. But Trafford is not one of them; he came off a record-breaking season with Burnley in the Championship.
The Clarets were the best defence as Trafford kept 29 clean sheets.
Trafford also kept a clean sheet in both domestic finals as City won two trophies last year. And now the 23-year old has a legitimate chance to take over the England number one spot.
His signing is worth all the money just two months into the season.
