Credit: Breaking Media/Manh Tung

Josh Edwards

Fri 24 April 2026 17:10, UK

James Trafford is said to be a target for Leeds United ahead of the summer transfer window.

Karl Darlow has fared well since taking over from Lucas Perri in the Premier League, but it remains clear that the Whites are going to strengthen their goalkeeping department this summer.

Leeds have already been linked with a whole host of them, with Trafford’s name having emerged more than once since the start of the winter.

The former Burnley star has struggled for gametime since returning to Man City, with another exit looking likely this summer.

However, if Leeds are to bring Trafford to Elland Road, they may have to stump up a potentially unreasonable amount of money.

Man City set James Trafford price tag

Leeds will not be the only side in for Trafford, and that could be a problem in itself.

The Whites will almost certainly be able to offer him guarantees over playing time, but whether they can match the price set by City remains to be seen.

Newcastle have also been linked, with a report from Craig Hope stating that they may have to pay upwards of £40million to land him this summer.

Assuming it would be the same fee for Leeds, it would see him become their record transfer, surpassing Georginio Rutter’s move from Hoffenheim back in 2022.

Leeds at risk of making Trafford error

Trafford is an excellent goalkeeper, but a large portion of his price is due to him being English and under contract at Man City.

Leeds’ budget remains unknown for the summer, but a move for Trafford would undoubtedly take up a large portion of it, and with other areas of the squad in need of improvement, it may not be worth it.

There are several goalkeepers across Europe as good as, or even better than, the City star, and there is a good chance they would cost less than half this summer.