Man City star joins Leeds in record-breaking transfer fee

Reports indicate that Manchester City have reached an agreement to offload goalkeeper James Trafford to Leeds United for a maximum of £40 million (about $53 million), not including supplementary fees.

This deal will make Trafford the most expensive English goalkeeper in football history.

Trafford only joined Man City last summer, with expectations that he would become the long-term number one at the Etihad. Initially, the 23-year-old was given starting opportunities by manager Pep Guardiola in the early rounds of the season.

However, plans quickly changed when Man City seized the chance to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain for just around $35 million. Immediately after arriving at the Etihad, the Euro 2020 winner claimed the starting spot and never relinquished it.

According to journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic, Leeds United have completed an agreement with Man City, and Trafford is set to sign a contract with the Elland Road club. The £40 million fee will allow him to break his own record set nearly a year ago, surpassing Jordan Pickford to become the highest-valued English goalkeeper.

Before Leeds won the race, Newcastle United was considered Trafford’s preferred destination. The England international was even said to be keen on moving to St James' Park. However, the Magpies withdrew from the deal at a critical stage, paving the way for Leeds to quickly finalize the agreement with Man City.

Despite being unable to compete with Donnarumma for the starting role, Trafford still made a significant impact last season. He mainly featured in cup competitions and played a key role in helping Man City secure the FA Cup and League Cup double.

The 2002-born goalkeeper's standout performance came in the League Cup final against Arsenal, where he made three incredible saves early in the match to prevent the Gunners from opening the scoring, setting the stage for Manchester City's triumph.

Donnarumma's presence has virtually eliminated Trafford's chances of being a starter in the new season. Therefore, seeking a club where he can secure regular playing time is a sensible move for the goalkeeper, who has represented England at the World Cup. Over the years, Trafford has been consistently regarded as a strong candidate to succeed Jordan Pickford as the Three Lions' number one.

On Leeds United's side, Daniel Farke's team successfully retained their Premier League status last season after switching to a three-center-back formation in the second half of the campaign. The German manager aims to build a squad capable of competing in the top half of the table and sees the signing of Trafford as a crucial step.

Leeds still have Lucas Perri in their squad, but the Brazilian goalkeeper has not earned full confidence and lost his starting spot to veteran Karl Darlow last season. With Darlow leaving the club this summer, Trafford is expected to immediately become the first-choice option if he completes the move to Elland Road.