Leeds United look set to complete one of the biggest transfers of their summer window after reaching an agreement to sign James Trafford from Manchester City.
The England goalkeeper has been strongly wanted by Newcastle United for a long time, but it is now Leeds who appear to have won the race for his signature.
A deal worth £40 million plus add-ons has reportedly been agreed between Leeds and Manchester City. If everything goes to plan, Trafford will complete the move to Elland Road this week.
It is a major statement from Leeds and another sign that the club are ready to spend serious money after returning to the Premier League.
For Newcastle, however, this is another frustrating chapter in their long-running interest in the goalkeeper.
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Leeds United agree club-record James Trafford transfer
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Leeds have reached a verbal agreement with Manchester City for Trafford.
Romano revealed that the two clubs now have a deal in place, with Leeds agreeing to pay an initial £40m plus possible add-ons.
The goalkeeper has also been offered a long-term contract at Elland Road.
The final paperwork is now expected to be completed before the transfer can officially be announced.
For Leeds supporters, this is a huge moment. The club have been searching for a new number one after seeing both Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow leave this summer.
Lucas Perri’s future has also been the subject of plenty of transfer talk, with Torino showing an interest in the Brazilian.
That left Daniel Farke needing to find a goalkeeper who could come straight into the team. Trafford looks set to be that man.
The 23-year-old has already played in the Premier League and has also represented England. He is still young for a goalkeeper, meaning Leeds could potentially have their number one in place for many years.
The price tag is also a sign of how highly the club rate him.
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A £40m fee would make Trafford a club-record signing for Leeds, showing just how serious the Whites are about improving their squad.
Newcastle tried to sign Trafford more than once
There is also an interesting story behind the transfer. Newcastle have been trying to sign Trafford for a long time.
The Magpies made attempts to bring him to St James’ Park when he was still a Burnley player. Their interest continued into 2025, but Manchester City eventually used their buyback option to bring the goalkeeper back to the Etihad Stadium.
Trafford had also been linked with an agreement on personal terms with Newcastle during one stage of the transfer saga.
However, the move never happened. Newcastle kept their interest in the player and were again linked with a move this summer.
This time, though, they have missed out once again. And this could be the most frustrating one yet.
Newcastle were believed to be one of the clubs best placed to sign Trafford because of their previous attempts to bring him to the club.
Instead, Leeds have stepped in and secured the goalkeeper. It means Trafford has now become a player who got away from Newcastle on three different occasions.
That will make the transfer even sweeter for Leeds fans.
Leeds offer Trafford a clear role at Elland Road
One reason Leeds have been able to win this transfer battle could be the role they are offering Trafford.
At Manchester City, regular first-team football was always going to be difficult.
The Premier League champions have a huge squad and plenty of competition for places. Trafford is still young and needs regular matches to continue his development.
Leeds can offer him something very different. At Elland Road, Trafford is expected to become the first-choice goalkeeper. That could have been a major factor in his decision.
Instead of moving to another club and fighting for his place, he should arrive at Leeds knowing that he is expected to play regularly.
That is a big opportunity for a goalkeeper who wants to establish himself at international level. Trafford will also have the chance to play in front of a passionate Leeds support.
The pressure will be high, especially because of the huge transfer fee, but the reward could also be massive.
If he performs well, Leeds could have their goalkeeper sorted for years.
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Newcastle now looking at cheaper goalkeeper option
Newcastle will now have to move on and find another solution.
The club have already signed young goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Stade de Reims for around £18m, but they could still want another goalkeeper before the summer window closes.
One player being looked at is Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek. The 24-year-old is reportedly available through a £30m release clause.
That would make him a cheaper option than Trafford, although Newcastle will now have to decide if he is the right player for their plans.
The Magpies have already spent money on their squad this summer and may prefer to take a different route after losing out on Trafford.
For Leeds, meanwhile, the focus will now be on completing the final steps of the transfer.
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A huge signing for Daniel Farke
For Farke, this could be one of the most important additions of the summer.
Leeds survived their first season back in the Premier League, but the club wants to make sure they are not involved in another relegation battle.
Bringing in a goalkeeper of Trafford’s quality could be a big part of that plan. The England international has the chance to become a key figure at Elland Road.
Leeds have already made moves to improve the squad, and signing Trafford for a club-record fee shows their ambition.
Newcastle may have wanted him for a long time, but it is Leeds who are now set to get their man. If the paperwork is completed as expected, Trafford will soon be walking through the doors at Elland Road.
And for Leeds supporters, this could be the start of a very exciting new chapter between the posts.
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