Trafford joins Leeds from Man City in potential £45m deal

Trafford is set to join Leeds United from Manchester City in a potential £45 million transfer. The move would see City retain a 20 percent sell‑on clause and matching rights, giving them the option to match any future bid and secure first refusal on the goalkeeper. BBC Sport reports that more than £80 million has already been invested in Trafford’s early career transfers. Leeds head coach Daniel Farke appears prepared to pay a premium despite Trafford’s limited playing time at City last season, following the departures of Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier from Elland Road this summer. Lucas Perri and Alex Cairns remain registered with Leeds, although Perri lost his place to Darlow in the second half of the previous campaign and did not appear in the Premier League after Newcastle’s 4‑3 victory on 7 January. Leeds are targeting the upside of a young goalkeeper whose reputation has been built largely in the Championship with Burnley, where he conceded only 16 goals in 45 appearances. Trafford has made just 32 top‑flight outings, but former Burnley manager Scott Parker lauded his development at Turf Moor before the player’s move to the Etihad. Parker described Trafford as “world class,” citing his 29 clean sheets and an 84.47 % save ratio, which were instrumental in Burnley’s promotion back to the Premier League for the 2024‑25 season. Trafford originated in Manchester City’s academy, spent loan periods at Accrington Stanley and Bolton Wanderers, and joined Burnley in 2023. He made 73 appearances for the Clarets before City exercised their buy‑back option last summer.