Leeds United splashes record £40m on goalkeeper James Trafford

Leeds United confirmed a £40 million transfer for goalkeeper James Trafford, signing him to a five-year contract and setting a new club record. Manager Daniel Farke said the acquisition targets the team's defensive stability as it seeks to cement its Premier League status. Trafford, 23, featured in 17 games for Manchester City last season, keeping eight clean sheets, and is expected to assume the starting role after serving as a cup keeper behind Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The deal follows Leeds' earlier signings of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic and coincides with the departure of players such as Pascal Struijk to Brighton and free-transfer exits of Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier. Leeds also anticipate a loan move for Lucas Perri to Torino once he recovers from a minor injury. The club’s spending now exceeds £70 million as it reshapes the squad after promotion.