James Trafford reveals what's surprised him most about Leeds United fans since joining

James Trafford has taken no time at all to settle in at Leeds United, but even he has been surprised by one aspect of the fanbase.

Leeds broke their transfer record to sign Trafford from Manchester City last month.

The initial fee was £40million - surpassing the £35.5m spent on Georginio Rutter - rising to £45m with add-ons.

Trafford has certainly looked the part so far, having impressed in a strong start to the 2026-27 campaign for Daniel Farke's side.

The England international, who earned his third senior cap over the weekend, is already a fan favourite at Elland Road.

And Trafford has now revealed what has surprised him most since arriving in West Yorkshire this summer.

James Trafford amazed by size of Leeds fanbase

Leeds United are a massive club - not just in England but the world over.

Trafford was clearly not quite aware of that before his summer switch.

After pondering for a second or two about what has surprised him most about Leeds fans, Trafford told Sky Sports News: "How many shirts you see.

"You always see Leeds fans everywhere. Everyone seems to be a Leeds fans.

"I'm from West Cumbria and didn't know there was so many fans up there - someone's nephew, uncle. That's the biggest thing."

Keep it up, and Trafford will no doubt soon start to see more and more goalkeeper shirts with his own name on the back.

Why Trafford's move to Leeds is already paying off massively

Leeds always knew a new goalkeeper was going to be required this summer, and they could not really have found a better one in Trafford.

For the 23-year-old himself, he was leaving behind the chance to be Manchester City's number one a couple of years from now.

And that decision has paid off handsomely as he was a starter for England against Spain over the weekend.

Had he remained on the bench at City, the cups aside, he would not have got that opportunity.

Trafford will also start against Czechia on Tuesday, before returning to the bench for the next two games.

It is an ideal situation for Farke, who will have a fit and confident Trafford raring to go against Arsenal in two weeks' time.