Leeds United made James Trafford their first-choice goalkeeping target early in the summer and are now pushing to get the deal over the line.
The Whites stepped up their pursuit last week by opening advanced talks with Manchester City, with Daniel Farke eager to strengthen his squad before the new Premier League season gets underway.
Although Leeds explored several goalkeeping options ahead of the transfer window, Trafford quickly established himself as the club’s preferred choice. Since then, the recruitment team have focused their efforts on securing a deal for the England international.
Interest from other clubs has done little to dent Leeds’ confidence. The Whites believe they are in a strong position to land the 23-year-old, and with negotiations progressing well, there is growing optimism that the transfer will be completed soon.
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Manchester City close in on sanctioning the exit for James Trafford
Leeds and Manchester City have a broad agreement in place for James Trafford to move to Elland Road for a deal worth up to ÂŁ45m this summer.
The two clubs have been negotiating the final details of the deal, which is likely to include a hefty sell-on clause and a potential buy-back as well.
However, an agreement seems imminent as Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Manchester City’s bid for Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
The Premier League giants want to sign a new number 2 goalkeeper before sanctioning Trafford’s exit, and Rulli has been identified as their top target.
Rulli wants the move, and an official offer has been sent to Marseille as Manchester City push to finalise his arrival at the Etihad this summer.
The Argentinian’s arrival will trigger Trafford’s exit to Elland Road, which in turn will lead to Lucas Perri’s loan move from Leeds to Torino.
🚨🩵 Manchester City have sent first official bid today to Olympique Marseille for Geronimo Rulli.
Negotiations underway between clubs.
Exclusive story, confirmed. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/Y3p8hvhoXM
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 4, 2026
ÂŁ45m is not too much for a quality goalkeeper
In today’s transfer market, clubs often pay as much for a player’s potential as they do for what they have already achieved.
That is not to suggest James Trafford lacks quality. His time at Burnley showed exactly why he is so highly rated, with the goalkeeper keeping 29 clean sheets and conceding just 16 goals as the Clarets secured promotion.
Even at Manchester City, where opportunities were limited, Trafford made the most of every chance he was given.
He kept clean sheets in both the FA Cup and EFL Cup finals, helping Manchester City lift the only two trophies they won last season.
Viewed in that context, Leeds are not simply paying for potential. They are signing a goalkeeper who has already proven himself in English football, has silverware on his CV and still has plenty of room to improve. A fee of around ÂŁ45m is far from excessive in the current market.
