Leeds United are now set to win the race for James Trafford, with the Manchester City goalkeeper closing in on a £45m move to Elland Road.
Lucas Perri was unable to make a name for himself in his debut campaign at Man City, making just 16 Premier League appearances, after falling below Karl Darlow in the pecking order, which means Leeds have been keen to add a new goalkeeper to their ranks last summer.
Like Perri, Trafford’s move in the 2025 summer transfer window didn’t go exactly to plan, with City going on to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma, which meant the Englishman was limited to just four outings in the Premier League, during which time he conceded six goals and kept one clean sheet.
However, the 23-year-old did manage to catch the eye in other competitions, being lauded as “amazing” by Bernardo Silva courtesy of his performance in City’s 2-0 EFL Cup final victory against Arsenal.
The ex-Burnley star kept seven clean sheets and conceded just five goals across 12 appearances in the EFL Cup and FA Cup, which indicates he could be capable of being the first choice at a Premier League club, rather than playing second fiddle to Donnarumma.
Leeds set to win race for James Trafford
According to the print edition of The Daily Mail, Leeds are now set to win the race for Trafford, with a deal close to being agreed.
The City goalkeeper is poised to complete a £45m switch to Elland Road, after rival suitors Newcastle United pulled out of the race.
Ben Jacobs revealed the Magpies discussed completing a swap deal to send Sandro Tonali to the Etihad in exchange for Trafford and a large fee, but those talks ended after the Italian midfielder joined Tottenham.
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Why Leeds and Newcastle were chasing James Trafford |
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Leeds United |
Leeds are in serious need of a new goalkeeper, having already lost Darlow and Illan Meslier this summer. Perri remains at Elland Road for the time being, but he is now just one step away from signing for Torino in a loan-to-buy deal. The former Lyon man kept just three clean sheets in 16 Premier League outings last season, during which time he shipped 29 goals. |
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Newcastle United |
Newcastle, on the other hand, are searching for a long-term Nick Pope replacement. The Englishman remained their first-choice goalkeeper for the majority of the 2025-26 season, making 27 Premier League appearances, but he is now 34-years-old, and has just one year remaining on his contract. Aaron Ramsdale has returned to Southampton, exacerbating the need to sign a new goalkeeper, although the Magpies have already brought in Ewen Jaouen from Reims. |
Update on Leeds’ pursuit of Julian Brandt
Aside from strengthening between the sticks, Leeds also want to sign a new forward this summer, and there has been a positive update on their pursuit of Julian Brandt, with the ex-Borussia Dortmund star eager to make the move to Elland Road, rather than joining Ajax.
An offer has already been presented to the German attacker, who has amassed 48 international caps, and his willingness to join now puts Leeds in a strong negotiating position.
