Three interesting years have passed for James Trafford. Manchester City sold him to Burnley in 2023 for 17.3 million euros, where he was outstanding. Since City had a €40 million buy-back clause, the Citizens decided to bring him back, although they first negotiated the price down. They eventually paid around 32 million, making him the most expensive British goalkeeper in history. The expectation was that Trafford would become City's first-choice goalkeeper following Ederson's departure, and that was indeed the original plan. However, he ended up becoming a victim of Manchester City and Pep Guardiola after a much better option emerged. Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived from Paris Saint-Germain, where he had been unhappy, and that effectively ended the Englishman's chances before his second spell at the Etihad had even begun.📱 (1) New message from James pic.twitter.com/NbnEPaG3xO— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 6, 2026 Trafford had to sit on the bench behind Italy's first-choice goalkeeper. Given that he is still young, developing and, above all, an excellent goalkeeper, he was hardly suited to being a No. 2 who would only play cup matches. Consequently, both he and City made it clear that a transfer was possible. That was when Leeds United stepped in. Not only did they show interest, they decided to spend 46 million euros, without bonuses, on the highly rated goalkeeper, setting another record for the most expensive British goalkeeper ever. Trafford's previous transfer has now been pushed into second place in the record books.Pep and Manchester City want their old Trafford backManchester City have ultimately made a very healthy profit from the deal, while Leeds have also broken their own club transfer record. Until now, that record had belonged to Georginio Rutter, for whom they paid Hoffenheim 40.5 million. It has now been surpassed — and by a goalkeeper. Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier left the club after six years and joined Arsenal, while Lukas Peri is reportedly close to a move to Torino. Meanwhile, Manchester United recently completed the signing of experienced goalkeeper Karl Darlow, making it clear that they were looking for a new first-choice goalkeeper themselves.Two and a half months, 72 days & 1,132 minutes later – Burnley conceded a goal in Championship!Trafford made 17 appearances for City last season. He played every match in the club's cup campaigns — the League Cup and FA Cup, both of which City won — while also making appearances in the Premier League and Champions League. He leaves the Etihad after just one year in a disappointing second spell. He had returned to the club expecting to be the first-choice goalkeeper but ultimately became a substitute. Nevertheless, he departs with two trophies on his CV, having performed impressively in both cup campaigns. Trafford made his England debut in a friendly against Uruguay at Wembley and, several months later, was included in the 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. His inclusion at the tournament completed another important milestone in his development, although he was England's third-choice goalkeeper and did not play a single minute. At just 23, there should be plenty of opportunities ahead of him at international level. James Trafford is Leeds United's third official signing in this transfer window, following Tarik Muharemović and Harry Wilson.##NAJAVA_MECA_9883879##
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