Leeds United have made a positive start to the summer transfer window by bringing in Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic, but the club’s recruitment drive is far from over.
The Whites are now closing in on a club-record deal for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, with the England international having already agreed personal terms ahead of his proposed move to Elland Road.
Not everything has gone to plan, though. Leeds were dealt a significant setback when Julian Brandt opted to join Ajax rather than move to West Yorkshire.
The Whites had been optimistic about their chances of persuading the 30-year-old to move to the Premier League, but the German ultimately chose Ajax and the prospect of playing in the Eredivisie instead.
Read More: Leeds United offer rejected as major transfer blow confirmed
Paris Saint-Germain hold talks with Leeds United-linked goalkeeper
James Trafford has emerged as Leeds’ top goalkeeping target as they look to sort out their number 1 position for years to come with his signing.
The 23-year-old has already agreed personal terms on a contract with Leeds and will become the highest-paid player once he joins the club.
However, there is still no final agreement between Leeds and Manchester City as the two clubs continue to work out the details of a deal worth up to ÂŁ45m.
Leeds are focused on getting the deal over the line, but they have also been considering other goalkeepers throughout the summer transfer window.
The Whites made a serious play for Parma’s Zion Suzuki after his World Cup heroics. However, the goalkeeper decided to wait for other offers.
And according to French outlet Foot Mercato, PSG have entered the race and are making a serious effort to take the Japanese goalkeeper to the Parc des Princes.
The European champions are in talks with Suzuki’s camp and Parma to work out an agreement to sign the goalkeeper in the ongoing transfer window.
Leeds are pushing for Trafford and are confident of getting a deal done, while Suzuki could be on his way to PSG.
🚨🟡🔵🇯🇵 #SerieA |
❗️Le PSG poursuit activement les discussions pour Zion Suzuki.
🤝 Les échanges se poursuivent entre les trois parties afin de trouver un accord.
➡️ Ă€ ce stade, le club de la capitale possède une longueur d’avance sur la Juventus dans ce dossier.… pic.twitter.com/gDH5F9rpuu
— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) August 1, 2026
Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed PSG’s interest in Suzuki and stressed that the Parisians are wating for the green light from the player before making an offer to Palermo.
🚨🔵🔴 Paris Saint-Germain have presented their project to Zion Suzuki in order to get green light from the boy.
PSG are ready to advance with Parma as Juventus also wanted Zion but had initial bid rejected. pic.twitter.com/0PKzXJfCcu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 2, 2026
James Trafford is a better deal for Leeds
Leeds held talks with Suzuki’s representatives earlier in the summer. However, it became clear that the goalkeeper was waiting for bigger offers.
Once Trafford signalled his intention to move to Elland Road, the Manchester City goalkeeper was always going to be the top target for Leeds this summer.
He is a proven Premier League performer and would not need any time to adjust to the demands of English football.
It would also be a major gamble for Leeds to sign a goalkeeper based largely on his World Cup performances, with no certainty that he could adapt to the demands of English football.
Trafford is as risk-free as it can get, and after Lucas Perri’s failure, it was clear that Leeds didn’t want to gamble on their goalkeeper recruitment this summer.
I bet they get their deal done quicker than the Trafford deal which is moving with all the speed of a constipated sloth.