How much did Leeds pay for James Trafford?

According to local media, the transfer is worth £40 million, while Klix.ba reports a figure of €52.5 million including bonuses.

Whose record was broken by this transfer?

Leeds' club record was broken, previously held by Georginio Rutter, who was signed from Hoffenheim for around €40 million in January 2023.

What kind of season did Trafford have last year?

He made 17 appearances for Manchester City in all competitions and won the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.

Football

Leeds Shatters Own Record: Sign Goalkeeper for €52.5 Million

Q: Who are the other signings for Leeds this summer?

Before Trafford, Leeds signed Harry Wilson and Bosnia and Herzegovina international Tarik Muharemović.

A.R. · Prije 2h | 2 min

James Trafford from Manchester City becomes the most expensive British goalkeeper in history, and Muharemović's club sends a clear message of ambition ahead of the new season.

Summary

Leeds United has signed goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City for a record fee of €52.5 million.
Trafford has become the most expensive British goalkeeper in history and broke the club record previously held by Georginio Rutter.
Last season, he won two cups with City and was England's backup goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup.
This is Leeds' third signing this summer, following the arrivals of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemović.

English Premier League side Leeds United has officially confirmed the arrival of James Trafford from Manchester City, breaking the club's transfer record for a single player. The 23-year-old England international goalkeeper has signed a five-year contract with the Elland Road club.

According to local media reports cited by HRT, the transfer fee is £40 million. Klix.ba, however, reports a more precise figure of €52.5 million including bonuses, making Trafford officially the most expensive British goalkeeper in football history.

Record That Stood Since 2023

The previous record holder was French striker Georginio Rutter, who arrived from German side Hoffenheim in January 2023 for a fee of around €40 million including bonuses. With this deal, Leeds has surpassed itself and demonstrated its financial strength ahead of the new season.

Trafford began his career in Manchester City's youth academy and gained sensational recognition during a loan spell at Burnley. During his time there, he broke the Championship record with 12 consecutive clean sheets, finishing the season with just 16 goals conceded, leading the team to promotion.

From the Etihad to the National Team

After impressive performances and a return to the Etihad, he made 17 appearances last season across all competitions, including the Premier League and the Champions League. He capped off the season by winning the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup. He was also part of England's senior squad at the 2026 World Cup, where he served as a backup goalkeeper.

Trafford is the third summer signing for manager Daniel Farke's team in this transfer window. Before him, Leeds signed Harry Wilson and Bosnia and Herzegovina international Tarik Muharemović, making it clear that the club has serious ambitions for the upcoming season.