James Trafford has completed his transfer from Manchester City to Leeds United, joining the Championship club on a five-year contract. The fee is an initial £40 million, with add-ons that could increase the total to £45 million.
Background of the move
Trafford returned to City just a year ago when the club activated a buy-back clause to re-sign him from Burnley for £27 million. Despite expectations that he would become the first-choice goalkeeper at the Etihad, manager Pep Guardiola later brought in Gianluigi Donnarumma, who took over as the No. 1.
Trafford was limited to cup appearances, where he played a key role in City's FA Cup and Carabao Cup victories. However, the 23-year-old sought regular first-team football to further his ambition of becoming England's first-choice goalkeeper, having been third choice at the World Cup.
Deal details and future plans
City have secured a significant fee and included a 20 percent sell-on clause on any profit if Leeds sell the goalkeeper in the future. With Donnarumma and Marcus Bettinelli as senior goalkeepers, and Pierce Charles loaned out to QPR after joining from Sheffield Wednesday, City are expected to sign another goalkeeper before the new season. Marseille's Gerónimo Rulli is reportedly a target.
