James Trafford has completed a medical ahead of finalising his transfer to Leeds United from Manchester City after both clubs reached a full agreement.The goalkeeper, 23, began his medical on Monday and concluded it with Leeds staff over the course of this week. It’s another hurdle cleared as Leeds apply the finishing touches to a club-record deal.The Athletic reported last week that the deal will be worth a guaranteed £40million to City plus add-ons.Leeds have been in the market for a goalkeeper after Karl Darlow, who ended last season as No 1, departed on a free transfer to Manchester United. Lucas Perri remains at the club after losing his place to Darlow during the 2025-26 season, and Alex Cairns is also in the squad.Newcastle United had been among Trafford’s suitors this summer with The Athletic reporting on July 21 that he had been their primary option, but they were no longer considering a move. They have since completed the signing of Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek.Trafford joined City from Burnley last summer and made 17 appearances in the 2025-26 campaign, including playing every match in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup as City won both competitions.The City academy graduate had returned to the club last year under the impression he would be first choice, but the signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day saw Trafford act as the Italy international’s deputy.Trafford has been capped twice at senior international level by England following his debut in March, and was a part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad at the World Cup this summer, but did not make an appearance at the tournament.Trafford move ‘a coup’Analysis by Leeds correspondent Beren CrossThis will be a significant coup for Leeds. Trafford is one of the rising stars of European goalkeeping and would stand a good chance of starting in goal for half of the teams in the Premier League.It is no secret Trafford wants to play far more regularly than he did with City last season and he would be the undisputed No 1 at Elland Road. The West Yorkshire outfit can also demonstrate the platform they gave Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Anton Stach in returning to their national teams.United have first-hand experience of how impressive the 23-year-old can be between the sticks. Leeds went toe-to-toe with Trafford’s Burnley team for the Championship crown in 2024-25, when the goalkeeper conceded just 16 goals in 45 league starts — and kept a Championship record 30 clean sheets.Leeds will hope Trafford can be their long-term solution between the sticks. Illan Meslier has finally moved on after a prolonged demise of his Elland Road career. Lucas Perri endured a difficult first season in England. Meanwhile, Karl Darlow has left, but even if he had stayed, it is unlikely he would have been No 1 in the upcoming campaign.Harry Wilson, an experienced top-flight operator off the back of a career-best season, has already been recruited on a free. One of the club’s biggest fees in history has been spent on Tarik Murahemovic, but Trafford could end up being their single most important piece of business of the summer.Aug 6, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms