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Rob Dawson
Multiple Authors
Leeds United has finalized the signing of goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City.
The 23-year-old has transferred to Elland Road for a fee that could total £45 million ($60.5 million).
According to sources, the deal guarantees Manchester City £40 million ($53.8 million) while also including a 20% sell-on clause and matching rights as part of the terms.
This transfer fee establishes a new record for a British goalkeeper, surpassing the previous £30 million ($40.4 million) paid by Everton for Jordan Pickford in 2017. It is also the highest fee that Leeds has ever paid for a player.
With Trafford’s transfer finalized, Manchester City is expected to pursue Argentinian goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli.
Sources have reported that the 34-year-old Rulli, who played for City from 2016 to 2017, is eager to move to the Etihad Stadium from Marseille to offer competition for starting goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The arrival of Donnarumma last summer significantly influenced Trafford’s decision to depart for Leeds.
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Trafford rejoined City from Burnley a year ago but only managed four Premier League appearances after Donnarumma’s signing from Paris Saint-Germain.
As part of England‘s World Cup squad alongside fellow keepers Pickford and Dean Henderson, Trafford moves after having won medals in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup last season.
He participated in both domestic competitions as Pep Guardiola concluded his decade-long tenure at the club with two victories.