Elland Road Pursues Goalkeeper Target
Leeds United is currently engaged in discussions with Manchester City regarding the potential transfer of goalkeeper James Trafford. Reports indicate that Trafford is leaning towards a move to Elland Road. This development comes as Leeds seeks to reinforce its goalkeeping options following the departure of Karl Darlow, who joined Manchester United on a free transfer after ending the previous season as the club’s number one.
Trafford, who is 23, rejoined Manchester City after coming through their academy. He had returned with the expectation of being the first-choice goalkeeper. However, the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma on deadline day meant Trafford served as an understudy during the 2025-26 campaign. In February, Trafford expressed that being the number two was not what he anticipated and that he had attempted to prevent such a situation.
During the 2025-26 season, Trafford made 17 appearances for Manchester City. This included playing every match in both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, competitions which Manchester City ultimately won. Prior to this, Trafford was the undisputed number one for Burnley for two seasons. He was a crucial part of their defence when they conceded only 16 goals in 46 Championship matches, leading to their promotion to the Premier League in 2024-25.
Trafford also made his debut for England in March, earning his first of two senior international caps. He was part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup this summer. His future is expected to be decided soon, as he is currently on a break after his involvement with England’s World Cup squad in North America.
Newcastle United’s Previous Interest and Leeds’ Current Goalkeeping Situation
Previously, Newcastle United had shown interest in Trafford. They had tried to sign the England international last summer before his move to Manchester City. Earlier this week, it was reported that Trafford was Newcastle’s primary option. However, the club from St. James’ Park is reportedly no longer considering a move for him. Trafford’s name was discussed during talks with Manchester City concerning Sandro Tonali, who eventually joined Tottenham Hotspur.
Newcastle has since explored other goalkeeping alternatives, including Zion Suzuki from Parma and Carl Rushworth of Brighton & Hove Albion. They have also signed 20-year-old Ewen Jaouen from Reims. There is a possibility that their first-choice goalkeeper, Nick Pope, could depart if another senior option is brought in.
For Leeds, securing Trafford would be considered a significant acquisition. Analysts suggest that Trafford is among the emerging talents in European goalkeeping and would have a strong chance of being a starting goalkeeper for many Premier League teams. It is widely known that Trafford desires more regular playing time than he received at Manchester City last season, and he would likely be the undisputed number one at Elland Road.
Leeds still has Lucas Perri, their second-choice goalkeeper who was signed from Lyon on a four-year deal last summer, and Alex Cairns, their third-choice. Illan Meslier has moved on, and Lucas Perri experienced a challenging first season in England. Even if Karl Darlow had remained, it is considered unlikely he would have been the number one for the upcoming campaign.
Other Transfer Activities and Pre-Season Preparations
Beyond the goalkeeper situation, Leeds is also hopeful that Julian Brandt will soon make a decision about his future. The Bayer Leverkusen playmaker is in demand among several clubs. Brandt’s father, Jurgen, was present at Thorp Arch last week for discussions with club officials. Brandt has been maintaining his fitness at Bayer Leverkusen’s training facilities while considering his options.
Regarding outgoing transfers, a return to Valencia for winger Largie Ramazani is a possibility, following his loan spell at the La Liga club last season. Valencia is keen to bring him back to the Mestalla. Additionally, Jack Harrison is expected to join MLS side New England Revolution for an undisclosed fee. This move would provide a financial boost for Leeds by recouping a fee and removing the winger’s wages from their books.
Harrison, Ramazani, and Joe Gelhardt are among the players absent from Leeds United’s squad for their summer tour of the US. Gelhardt has been consistently linked with a return to Hull City after two loan spells there. Winger Noah Okafor is also missing from the squad as he continues an extended break after Switzerland’s World Cup campaign. New signings Tarik Muharemović and Harry Wilson have been included in the 30-man squad for the tour.
Leeds is set to begin their pre-season schedule with a match against Championship team Wrexham in Florida on July 26. They will then face Premier League counterparts Sunderland in New Jersey on July 31, followed by a game against Liverpool in Chicago on August 2.
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Source: nytimes.com
