Credit: Breaking Media/Manh Tung

Scott Mason

Fri 10 April 2026 8:40, UK

Leeds United will be in the market for a goalkeeper this summer and the Whites now hold a clear advantage to sign Manchester City’s James Trafford.

This campaign, Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow have done little to cement their futures as the Elland Road number one, although it is the Welshman who currently holds the role.

However, as it stands, Darlow is set to exit the LS11 outfit with his contract coming to an end following the conclusion of the season.

With Perri failing to capture imagination under Daniel Farke, the German will see it as a prime opportunity to fix a real problem area.

Ahead of Leeds’ summer window, they may have an advantage over their transfer rivals when it comes to securing the signing of Trafford.

What advantage do Leeds have in James Trafford pursuit?

Trafford’s move to Manchester City has ultimately failed for the English goalkeeper. After moving from Burnley, the 23-year-old had hoped to become the number one for a Premier League giant.

However, early wobbles and the availability of Gianluigi Donnarumma sealed his fate, and he has spent much of the season on the bench.

Trafford has not been without his chances, though. He has featured prominently for the Citizens in the cup competitions, and his performances alongside his previous reputation have caught the eye of Leeds.

According to Four Four Two, the Elland Road outfit are one of many sides interested in the Manchester City shot-stopper, and hope the allure of guaranteed first-team football can entice Trafford.

The goalkeeper is expected to seek an exit to find more minutes elsewhere.

The report suggests that should the 23-year-old move to Elland Road, he would immediately jump to the top of the pecking order.

As it stands, Farke’s side are not Trafford’s first choice, but that first-team football guarantee provides the Whites with an advantage in convincing him of their project.

Roy Keane’s James Trafford praise highlights the level of talent Leeds could secure

If Leeds were to sign Trafford, you would have to look no further than Roy Keane – a hated figure among the Whites’ fanbase, granted – to understand the level of player you would be getting.

The former Republic of Ireland international is notoriously hard to please, but Keane was left impressed by the Englishman’s performances.

Earlier in the season on Sky Sports, Keane stated: “I think Trafford is a really top goalkeeper.”

If the 49ers can get a deal over the line, it may finally end their number one struggles, which have been an issue for many seasons. Trafford has shown he has the qualities needed to be a long-term Elland Road number one.

However, first the Whites must confirm themselves as a Premier League side or else the guarantee of first-team football would not be quite as attractive to Trafford.