How James Trafford is set for baptism of fire at Leeds as Daniel Farke has little choice

James Trafford's move to Leeds United continues to be moving closer.

It has been widely reported that an agreement between the Whites and Manchester City has been reached for the goalkeeper.

It would be a major coup for the LS11 side to scoop up the England international, who has been touted to be the future Three Lions number one.

MOT Leeds News have previously reported on the possible timeline for a Trafford announcement.

But even if he is officially confirmed in the imminent future, the Elland Road outfit would still face limitations on when they could call upon him.

And that is thanks to FIFA rules implemented due to the 2026 World Cup.

Why FIFA's World Cup break rule leaves James Trafford with Manchester United chance

Even though Trafford did not make an appearance for England at the 2026 World Cup, the goalkeeper is entitled to a holiday after the tournament.

FIFA rules provided every participating player with a mandated 21-day holiday in order to get much-needed rest this summer.

With England playing their last World Cup game on 18 July, that timeline would see Trafford's availability fall sometime near 8 August.

And that fact would line up with Leeds journalist Graham Smyth sharing his holiday would continue a "bit longer" than 2 August.

Interestingly, though, 8 August is the day that the Whites face RB Leipzig in a pre-season friendly.

Trafford, without any training behind him, is unlikely to be utilised in any capacity.

But the following match offers quite an intriguing debut opportunity for the 23-year-old, with Leeds facing Manchester United on 12 August.

With the Manchester club being Leeds' biggest rivals, even in a pre-season friendly, you would expect it to be a fiery atmosphere.

And with the game taking place in Dublin, a city with a large swathes of both Leeds and Man United supporters, tensions will be high.

So, the Englishman could be in line for a baptism of fire on his Leeds United debut if he is selected.

Daniel Farke may have no choice but to throw his new No.1 straight into the deep end

Although the game against Manchester United would arrive just days after Trafford returns to action, Daniel Farke may be left with no choice.

Amid the talks of Trafford's move, Lucas Perri has been linked with an exit to Torino.

That would leave the Whites with only Trafford and Alex Cairns with the latter barely playing over the last two years.

It will not be an easy game for Trafford to be chucked into, but Leeds' first Premier League game is just 10 days after facing Man United.

Trafford needs to start building on-pitch relationships with his teammates as quickly as possible.