Leeds United pays R$310.7 million for James Trafford, Manchester City goalkeeper
Leeds United, the team that returned to the Premier League, confirmed on August 7, 2026 the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford, aged 23, who played as a reserve at Manchester City. The transfer involves an investment of up to 45 million pounds, which currently corresponds to around R$310.7 million, marking the most expensive acquisition in the English club’s 106-year history and a bold move for a player with little experience as a starter in the elite.
On the same topic: Chelsea and Newcastle are competing to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford
Where the Trafford signing ranks among the most expensive goalkeepers in the world
- Kepa Arrizabalaga: £72 million, paid by Chelsea
- Alisson Becker: £67 million, paid by Liverpool
- André Onana: 47.2 million pounds, paid by Manchester United
James Trafford began his journey with Manchester City’s youth teams, but only made 17 appearances for the club’s first team, all last season. Previously, he played for Burnley for two seasons and spent loan spells at other teams such as Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers.
See Also
Manchester City: coach Maresca’s criteria takes Erling Haaland out of the captaincy race
Scientists develop technique to deflect asteroids and protect Earth from future impacts
Earthquake in Colombia: deaths reach 294 and balance points to thousands of people affected
More on this story: Chelsea invests more than R$2.2 billion and announces ten reinforcements for the 2026/27 season
Despite his limited first-team experience, Leeds United show confidence in his potential. Trafford was one of the goalkeepers selected by coach Thomas Tuchel for England’s 2026 World Cup squad, although he did not take to the field. England were eliminated by Argentina in the semi-finals of the tournament.
The goalkeeper had a remarkable performance during his two years at Burnley, even being voted the best goalkeeper in the Championship (the English second division) in the 2024/25 season. Manchester City had spent £27 million to reintegrate him into the squad after his spell at Burnley.
Trafford represents the third reinforcement announced by Leeds for next season, in which the club returns to compete in the Premier League. The other two athletes already confirmed are defender Tarik Muharemovic and midfielder Harry Wilson.
