Leeds fans will love what Pep Guardiola said about 'incredible' James Trafford, it bodes well for Daniel Farke

Leeds United are moving ever closer to signing Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford.

The Whites are in desperate need of reinforcement between the sticks this transfer window.

Karl Darlow has left for rivals Manchester United, and Illan Meslier departed - as expected - at the end of his contract and has joined Arsenal.

Lucas Perri has also been linked with a move to Torino after an error-strewn debut campaign at Elland Road.

But England international Trafford looks set to solve a big issue for Daniel Farke this summer.

And Pep Guardiola has previously lavished praise on the 23-year-old, which will delight Leeds fans and Farke alike.

What has Pep Guardiola said about Leeds-linked James Trafford?

MOT Leeds News has already covered everything we know about the latest of Trafford's move from Manchester City to Leeds.

Trafford was also of interest to Newcastle United, but seemingly preferred the option of moving to Elland Road.

Leeds are consequently in pole position to sign the former Burnley shot-stopper, with the deal said to potentially be worth £50million, though it is unclear how much will be up front.

Trafford only re-joined City last summer, but found himself out of the team when the Citizens surprisingly signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG.

That left Trafford utilised predominantly as a cup goalkeeper, but now former City boss Pep Guardiola regularly praised Trafford.

Speaking back in October 2025, Guardiola hailed Trafford's attitude despite having to play second fiddle to Donnarumma and tipped him to be an England regular.

In quotes reported by BBC Sport, he said: "The keeper is a special situation because the keeper plays, normally one, and the second one doesn't.

"All I can say is we are delighted with his behaviour in training.

"One of the reasons why we want to go through in this competition is because they all have to be ready in case we need in the Premier League and the Champions League.

"We have an incredible keeper. For England, sooner or later, he will be the one.

"I am pretty sure Gigi learns from James and James learns from Gigi. The goalkeepers are always connected."

Trafford's attitude will be loved by Leeds United fans

See Guardiola speak so highly of his attitude in difficult circumstances speaks volumes about Trafford's character.

It bodes really for Farke to be having someone on board who has those kind of characteristics.

Having a team pulling in one direction, and giving their all for the cause is absolutely imperative.

And Trafford has already proven he is willing to do that, even when the circumstances were extremely tough last season.

Leeds are signing a goalkeeper still well off his prime years, and this could be an excellent piece of business by the Whites.