James Trafford could become world's most expensive goalkeeper at Leeds United with £75m clause

James Trafford is closing in on a sensational move from Manchester City to Leeds United.

Daniel Farke made a new number one his priority at Elland Road this summer, and he's set to land his prime target.

Trafford is an England international and one of the very best in the Premier League, so this is a real statement.

MOT Leeds News shared that Trafford could cost Leeds £50m, with a release clause also wanted by the keeper.

Darragh MacAnthony has spotted a possible issue for Leeds to deal with though, but it would make them huge money at the same time.

The Peterborough United owner even suggested that he wouldn't be happy with any clause.

How much could James Trafford release clause be worth?

Clauses are regularly used by clubs like Man City, who sell their best talents with the idea of them returning.

The other side of that, is that Leeds will need to make a healthy profit through any clause, or it's simply not worth it.

After Alex Crook reported that Trafford would actually like a release clause in any contract at Leeds, MacAnthony was left scratching his head, before suggesting how much it could be.

"Wow, for what, £75million? The most expensive goalie in the world," he said.

"I love it, but I'm not paying £50m for someone dictating to me a release clause. I'm sorry."

Where does James Trafford rank in most expensive goalkeepers?

Assuming Leeds pay up to £50m to get this done, he'd already be very near the top of the list.

Wildly, Kepa Arrizabalaga is still the most expensive goalkeeper ever signed.

The Spaniard moved to Chelsea from Athletic Club for £72m back in 2018, and became one of the Premier League's flops.

Now at Arsenal, Kepa has become one of those keepers who simply fill the squad and sit on the bench.

Second is a much bigger success story, with Alisson to Liverpool from Roma, the Reds paying £66.8m.

Many fans at Anfield actually wanted Trafford as the Brazilian's long-term replacement, showing just how big this coup would be if Leeds can get it done.

Third on the all-time list in Gianluigi Buffon, via transfermarkt, which is wild given his move to Juventus was all the way back in 2001.

Trafford eclipsing those would be monumental, and the potential to do just that proves just how magic a signing this would be for Leeds.

In football, you have to spend big, to earn big, and that is certainly the case here.