You can forgive Leeds United fans for being excited about the 2026/27 campaign as a result of the tremendous business being conducted in the transfer market.
Daniel Farke’s men have already landed Premier League-proven attacker Harry Wilson, with the Welshman joining on a free transfer after his release from Fulham.
Centre-back Tarik Muharemovic has also arrived at Elland Road, with the 49ers splashing £34m on his signature after impressing for Bosnia at the recent World Cup.
However, despite the recent impressive additions, another talented star has completed his move in an attempt to further improve the Whites’ ranks ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Why Trafford is Leeds’ best signing of the summer
After weeks of speculation, Leeds have finally announced the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City for a club-record fee of £40m.
The 23-year-old has been a long-standing target for Farke’s men over recent years, with the manager finally landing one of his top transfer targets for the 2026 summer window.
After his signing was confirmed on Thursday night, the shot-stopper said: “I’m really excited and really happy that it’s finally done. I can get on to preparing for the new season.
“The passion, the fans, it goes a long way and a few of the lads I’ve spoken to have already said the team group and the spirit is incredible. When you have that belief and togetherness, it’s going to take you a long way.”
|
James Trafford – PL stats (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
4 |
|
Clean sheets |
1 |
|
Save percentage |
70% |
|
Goals prevented |
0.6 |
|
Saves made |
3.5 |
|
Pass accuracy |
74% |
Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier have both departed Elland Road this window, whilst Lucas Perri also appears to be edging closer to his own move to Torino.
Trafford will also likely be England’s number one goalkeeper upon the retirement of Jordan Pickford – with his transfer value undoubtedly set to skyrocket in the years ahead.
His move will inject added quality into the club’s ranks ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, further strengthening the hierarchy’s ambitions of registering a top-half finish.
How Leeds can land a bigger English talent than Trafford
Despite the deal for Trafford taking the club’s spending to upwards of £75m, Leeds appear to be eyeing up added deals to further strengthen the senior ranks.
Lyon attacker Pavel Sulc has been mentioned as one transfer target, with Aston Villa and Everton also keen on a deal for the Czech Republic international.
However, one name refuses to disappear from the club’s transfer radar, with Liam Delap a genuine target for the Whites during the last month of the window.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has provided the latest on the Whites’ efforts to land the Chelsea talisman, claiming that Leeds are “considering a move” for his signature.
He also claims that Everton and Newcastle United continue to be in the race for the 23-year-old, who looks almost certain to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.
Other reports have claimed that the deal for the striker would be an expensive one, as Xabi Alonso’s men are demanding £40m to allow the attacker to depart.
Many Leeds fans may be concerned about the expensive price tag for the Englishman, but it could prove to be a deal worth pursuing given his stats in England’s top-flight.
He’s already showcased he’s capable of impressing in such a decision during his career, subsequently already having a bigger impact in the division during the early days of his career.
Delap has already netted 13 goals in the Premier League to date, with 12 of his efforts coming during a relegation campaign with Ipswich Town back in 2024/25.
His underlying stats from last season showcase his impressive work in forward areas, many of which rank him highly compared to other players in his position across the division.
The youngster completed 77% of the dribbles he attempted in the Premier League last term, which placed him above 95% of other centre-forwards in England’s top-flight.
Such numbers highlight his quality, which could also see him add a new dimension to Farke’s attack in their hunt for success throughout 2026/27 and beyond.
Delap also won 48% of the aerial battles he entered, which could make him the perfect fit for the Whites’ current system – which demands the striker to possess a physical presence.
Whilst only one of his goals came last season, the striker has showcased he’s more suited to operating for a team on the up rather than a big six club – something which could make him perfect for Leeds.
Trafford is an unbelievable signing and one which solves the goalkeeping issues for many years to come – but Delap’s experience in such a division could see him reach the next level at Elland Road.
