Before the transfer window opened this summer, many Leeds United supporters had ambitions of the 49ers spending big and making the club into a force to be reckoned with.
After spending £90m in the summer 12 months ago, it was expected that it would be another window of shrewd and cheap but valuable additions.
However, the hierarchy have proved to go in a different direction and already made multiple high-profile additions in the form of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic.
The former arrived on a free transfer, whilst the latter cost a reported £34m – but their signs of spending big have shown no signs of slowing down in recent days.
Why Trafford would be an upgrade on Darlow and Perri
On Thursday afternoon, it was confirmed that Leeds were advancing a deal to land Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford – with a £40m fee being reported for his signature.
Such a figure would be a club record for the Whites, but it could hand Daniel Farke’s side a long-term solution to their ongoing issues in the goalkeeping department.
Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow have both departed Elland Road this summer, whilst Lucas Perri is also expected to leave and join Italian outfit Torino before the window closes.
However, Trafford would be an upgrade on all of the trio, subsequently achieving a better save percentage during his own period in England’s top-flight.
|
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% |
His tally of 3.5 saves per 90 in the Premier League last campaign also ranked above both Perri and Darlow – whilst also bettering 87% of other shot-stoppers in the division.
Even with the ball at his feet in 2025/26, Trafford demonstrated he was a class above the aforementioned duo – subsequently achieving a better pass completion rate.
At just 23 years of age, the Englishman has the ability to nail down his position as the Whites’ number one – not to mention the potential to become his country’s main option between the sticks.
Leeds looking to sign a bigger English talent than Trafford
Despite a proposed £40m deal for Trafford taking Leeds’ spending to £74m this summer, the 49ers appear to be lining up other moves to help bolster Farke’s senior ranks.
Midfielder Shea Charles continues to be strongly linked with a move to Elland Road this window, despite the Whites already having two offers rejected by Southampton.
However, other Premier League-proven options are being considered, with Liverpool attacker Harvey Elliott another player who’s on the club’s shortlist at present.
It’s been reported by The Yorkshire Post that Leeds are interested in a potential move to land the 23-year-old after his failed loan spell at Aston Villa last campaign.
They don’t mention whether the deal is a loan or permanent one, but the hierarchy believe he’s a superb option to add further quality into the senior ranks.
Whilst he undoubtedly failed to deliver during his temporary spell at Villa Park, Elliott is a player who has previously showcased his ability to provide the goods in England’s top-flight.
The Liverpool star has more experience in such a division – subsequently featuring in 65 more top-flight games – with his stats from his best season in 2023/24 showcasing his talent in attacking areas.
The Englishman achieved an impressive tally of 88% passes completed and registered 2.5 chances created per 90 – with the latter ranking him in the top 5% of forwards in Europe.
He also completed 1.5 successful crosses per 90 at a success rate of 36% – both ranking him in the top 10% of players in the Premier League and showcasing his impressive set-piece delivery.
Elliott has proven he’s capable of delivering the goods in the final third – as seen by his tremendous tally of three goals and six assists in the 2023/24 campaign.
He subsequently registered a goal contribution every 148 minutes that season, with no player in Farke’s side able to better such an average throughout last season.
Even without the ball, he could prove to be a valuable option – especially if he can emulate his tally of 1.2 times possession won in the final third per 90 – which placed him in the top 2% of English attackers.
Many Leeds fans may be put off by a move for Elliott after his failed spell at Villa last summer, but there’s no denying he’s still a tremendous and underrated talent.
His experience and success in England’s top-flight could make him a better addition than Trafford this summer – potentially making the Whites a threat to those hunting for European football.
