Leeds United are in the United States for their pre-season training camp and a series of friendlies. Still, they have travelled without completing several key transfer deals as they continue reshaping the squad for the new campaign.
Supporters are convinced more reinforcements are needed before the Premier League season gets underway.
Max Wober, Joe Gelhardt, Largie Ramazani and Jack Harrison have all been left out of the touring squad, with each expected to leave the club this summer. Wober’s departure has already been finalised.
As for incomings, the 49ers remain hard at work behind the scenes and are pushing to get several deals over the line. One of those is understood to be a potentially eye-catching signing.
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Leeds have prioritised signing a top goalkeeper this summer, and the club are working to secure a new number one.
They have ramped up their efforts to sign their top target James Trafford, and the club are in talks with Manchester City to secure the goalkeeper’s signature.
Trafford is keen on the move, and with Newcastle United and Aston Villa not actively chasing him, Leeds have a clear run at the England goalkeeper.
They are making progress in negotiations with Manchester City and Trafford’s camp, and the Whites have overcome a major hurdle in pursuit of the goalkeeper.
According to TeamTalk, Leeds have reached a broad agreement with Trafford’s representatives over personal terms on a contract for a move this summer.
The goalkeeper will sign a lucrative long-term contract with Leeds once the transfer is complete.
Leeds are yet to agree on a deal with Manchester City despite progress in talks and will have to shell out a club-record fee of £40m this summer.
James Trafford would be a major coup for Leeds United
Leeds needed a goalkeeper who could come in as the undisputed No.1 from day one while also being a long-term solution, and James Trafford fits that profile perfectly.
The Whites have admired Trafford since his time at Burnley, but Manchester City moved first to bring him back. Even so, the 49ers deserve credit for sticking to their plan. Rather than spending heavily on a short-term fix, they have secured a goalkeeper who could anchor the position for years.
If Trafford lives up to expectations, Leeds may not have to worry about their goalkeeping situation for a long time.
It also brings an end to one of the club’s biggest recurring issues in recent seasons, allowing the recruitment team to shift its full attention towards strengthening other areas of Daniel Farke’s squad.
