Leeds United have signed England goalkeeper, James Trafford from Manchester City for a club-record £45m.
Trafford’s move to Elland Road comes just one year after he returned to Man City after a two-year spell at Burnley, but the youngster quickly found himself dislodged as their first-choice goalkeeper following a deadline-day move for Gianluigi Donnarumma last September.
Trafford nevertheless managed to keep eight clean sheets and concede only in 17 appearances in all competitions last season, and was City’s domestic cup competitions goalkeeper as he featured in all six matches of their respective runs to the domestic cup double of FA Cup and Carabao Cup titles.
City nevertheless have allowed him to leave once again to gain regular first-team football after they agreed a £45m total deal which involved a £40m fixed fee plus £5m in add-ons, whilst City hold a 20% sell-on clause as well as matching rights to any future bid from alternative clubs.
The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Elland Road until June 2031.
Trafford began his career at Cockermouth before he moved to Carlisle United’s academy where he switched from midfield to goalkeeper position, prior to a move to City in August 2015 where he graduated through their academy but failed to make a single senior appearance.
He however spent the first half of 2021-22 season on loan at Accrington Stanley before he joined Bolton in January 2022 for the second half of that season, followed by a full season-long loan in 22-23 season at the Trotters.
During his time at Bolton, Trafford helped the Trotters win 2022-23 EFL Trophy and kept 33 clean sheets in 72 appearances across both loan stints.
Trafford represents England at international level having risen through the youth ranks, during which he became the first goalkeeper to keep six clean sheets as the Young Lions won 2023 UEFA Under-21 Euro, before he received his first senior call-up in March 2024.
The 23 year-old has since been part of the Three Lions squad and made his senior international debut in a 1-1 friendly draw against Uruguay in March this year, which marked the first of two caps as he made his second appearance as a half-time substitute in a 1-0 friendly win over New Zealand in June.
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