Trafford joins Leeds from Man City in potential £45m dealImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, James Trafford’s switch to Leeds United comes after a lack of game time on his return to Manchester City last summerByJude WinterBBC Sport journalistPublished56 minutes agoLeeds United have signed Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford in a deal worth up to £45m.
The England international has left Etihad Stadium just a year after returning from Burnley in a £27m move last summer.
Trafford, who was part of England’s World Cup squad this summer but did not feature, made 17 appearances for City last season – four in the Premier League – but played a big part in their Carabao Cup and FA Cup triumphs.
The 23-year-old’s move to West Yorkshire comes after the arrival of Champions League-winning goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, in September, ended Trafford’s hopes of establishing himself as Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper.
The move represents a new record fee for a British goalkeeper, surpassing the previous benchmark of £30m which Everton paid Sunderland for Jordan Pickford in 2017.
It also makes him one of the most expensive goalkeepers in history, with only Kepa Arrizabalaga (£68m) and Alisson (£62m) commanding higher fees.
